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THE CLIMATE OF 



1THE EAS^EI^N SHOI^E 



OF 1 2s/L^LTZirTjJL.lXnD 

CONSIDERED WITH REFERENCE TO ITS SANATIVE 

AND CURATIVE INFLUENCE IN PULMONARY 

CONSUMPTION AND OTHER DISEASES. 



S^-iiT^. 

BY 
C. W. CHANCELLOR, M. D. 

SECRETARY OF THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF HEALTH 

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION 

M EMBER OF THE MEDICAL AND CHIRURGICAL FACULTY 

OF MARYLAND; HONORARY FELLOW OF THE 

SOCIETY OF SCIENCE, LETTERS AND ART, 

OF LONDON, &C, &C. 



A Second Volume 

On the Health Resorts of Western and Southern 

Maryland, in course of preparation. 



BALTIMORE. 

WALWORTH & CO. 

1889. 




COPYRIGHT : 

C. W. CHANCELLOR. M. D. 

BALTIMORE. 

1SS9. 









Ill 



TO THE PEOPLE 

OF THE 

EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME 

IS 

RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



IV 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
Preliminary Observations. 

Winter resorts needed. A high temperature not 
important. Improvement to health from change 
of air. Climate in pulmonary consumption The 
Bastern Shore comparatively exempt from pulmo- 
nary diseases. Rational treatment of consump- 
tion. 

CHAPTER II. 
How Health Resorts became known. 

Popular favor will follow public notice. How 
Cannes and Mentone became known. Abbazia and 
the Benedictine monks. How Biarritz came to be 
patronized. Florida brought into notice by tin- 
Civil War. The Eastern Shore as a health sta- 
tion. A moderate summer climate. 



CHAPTER III. 

Atmospheric influences. 

The influence of atmospheric air. Climate modi- 
fied by local conditions. Value of climate in the 
treatment of disease. Changes in the climate of 
the Eastern Shore. Theoretic composition of the 
atmosphere. Ozone and its antiseptic functions. 

CHAPTER. IV. 

The Physical and Social aspects of the 

Eastern Shore. 

Extent of the Peninsula. Isothermal lines. At- 
lantic Coast lines. Topographical aspects and 
position. Prevailing winds. Social aspects. Resi- 
dential improvements. Hospitality of the section. 
Social and substantial comforts. 

CHAPTER V. 

Flora, Forests and Fruits. 

Vegetation of the Eastern Shore. Luxuriant 
Forests. The pine tree as an anti-miasmatic. Fruit 
trees and fruit 

CHAPTER VI. 

Meteorological Conditions. 

The Eastern Shore a temperate climate. Aver- 
age annual temperature. Mean winter temperature. 
Mean summer temperature. Atmospheric pressure. 
Precipitation of moisture. Average aerial humidity 
Electricity in the atmosphere. 



VI 

CHAPTER VII. 

Circumstances influencing' the temperature 

of the Eastern Shore. 

External Configuration of the Earth's surface. 

Temperature affected by soil' Effects of large 

bodies of salt water. Duration of the seasons. 
Advice to invalids. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Climatic advantages of the Eastern Shore. 

Character of the seasons. Compared with Euro- 
pean resorts. Winds from the Gulf Stream. A 
highly favored locality. A dry and tonic climate. 
Resume. 

CHAPTER, IX. 

The Eastern Shore as a Sanitarium. 

When to visit the locality and for what diseases. 
An admirable home for children. Dr. Geddings' 
observations on climate. Relation between tem- 
perature and organic tone. Change in medical 
doctrines. Elevated positions not necessary for the 
cure of pulmonary consumption. Relation between 
soil-moisture and consumption. The climate highly 
beneficial in other diseases. Eastern Shore as an 
all-the-year-round place of residence. Neutral prop- 
erties of the climate. 



VII 



CHAPTER X. 
Comparative absence of malaria on the 
Eastern Shore. 

Exceptionally healthy. Facts and figures. Salt 
water-marshes not unhealthy. The sanative con- 
dition of Venice, as compared with the Eastern 
Shore. Malaria due to a bacillus. Mill-dams as 
generators of malaria. 

CHAPTER XL 
Food, exercise and clothing. 
Change of climate necessitates change of food, 
etc. Varied dietetics and excellent cuisine. Ali- 
mentation and natural characteristics. Fine food 
makes the gentleman. Some rules in dietetics. 
Opportunities for exercise. Clothing. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Sea-bathing- on the peninsula. 

The bath preventive and curative. Facilities for 
bathing. Bay-shore bathing. Prolonged baths in- 
jurious. Caution necessary. Warm salt water. 
The water of the Chesapeake Bay. The season for 
bathing. Recapitulation. 



VIII 



PKEFACE. 

Books have become so plentiful, that the pre- 
sentation of a new volume requires to be prefaced 
by some explanation of the author's motives. The 
object of this work is two fold : First, to place 
before the public, in a proper form, the advan- 
tages which the Maryland and Delaware 
Peninsula, including the Eastern Shore of 
Virginia, offers as a climatic or health resort ; and, 
secondly, to impart information which may 
conduce to the removal, or — what is of more 
consequence — to the prevention of disease. In 
this attempt, I have endeavored to avoid all 
theoretical discussions, as incompatible with the 
object of the work, and all remplissage, which 
tends more to increase the size of a book, than to 
add to its utility. Should the following pages 
contribute to a more general diffusion of informa- 
tion on the subject of which they treat, I shall be 
rewarded for my labor. 

C. W. Chancellor, M. I). 
Baltimore, 20th Sep., 1889. 



CHAPTER I. 

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 

Winter resorts needed. Year by year the 
increasing necessity for winter resorts, easy of ac- 
cess to the centres of population, has been felt by 
the public, and especially by invalids who natu- 
rally and properly prefer to be within reach of 
the loving care of family and friends. 

Thus far Florida, South Carolina, and Califor- 
nia have been the principal refuge during the 
cold season, especially for persons afflicted with 
pulmonary diseases. The great distance of these 
localities from the large cities of the East and 
North West, not only renders them inaccessible 
to many, but it is questionable whether a sudden 
transplanting of invalids, who are compelled to 
leave their Northern homes in the early fall to 
visit the enervating climate of the far South, is 
not a measure fraught with evil consequences; 
while in spring the quick rise of a southern tem- 
perature hurries the departure of the patient to 



2 EASTERN" SHORE 

more northern regions, }et too cold to be borne 
without inconvenience if not danger. 

The merit of a climatic resort is not determined 
solely by temperature, though it is well for those 
suffering from chest affections to consider prima- 
rily the influence of weather. Disturbances of the 
respiratory organs, it is well known, are chiefly 
brought about by atmospheric influences, precise- 
ly as dietetic faults produce disorders of the 
digestive functions. Winter resorts with the 
most various climates, warm, cold or moderate, 
can adduce instances enough of perfect cures hav- 
ing resulted from such influences. Do we not 
find that climatic resorts even in Southern Europe 
have their colder seasons, with even an extraordi- 
nary low temperature at times during the winter? 
And all the more sensitive to such changes is the 
visitor when the house he occupies is not built 
for a winter residence. 

A high temperature not important. It 
the situation and physical character of a place are 
favorable, if a medium average with regard to 
warmth, moisture, winds, etc., is attained, and 
the invariable variations are not abnormal, a high 
place in the scale must be assigned to it. The 



OF MARYLAND. 



cool air of a mountain resort in the summer is 
more grateful to a sufferer from lung diseases than 
are hot, oppressive atmospheres; hence it is quite 
certain that a specially high temperature is not 
the active agent, the resolvent factor in chest 
diseases. For persons with other ailments, and 
for such as seek rest and refreshment, a high 
temperature is still less important and may even 
be undesirable. The determining reason must be 
sought in the origin and character of the disease 
in each particular case, and especially in chronic 
cases. Excessive or long continued heat is very 
rarely the agent which will be found the most 
active in eradicating chronic chest affections. 

Apart from climatic considerations, visitors 
seeking health resorts are largely influenced in 
their selections of a place by accessibility and 
other advantages. Such visitors do not wish, on 
the one hand, to banish themselves beyond the 
reach of home influences; nor, on the other, do 
they care to be imprisoned in the heart of a great 
city. They want to be where they can have good 
air, pleasant natural surroundings, and a town of 
some size not too far away, with certain "accessi- 
bilities" to the great outside world and their 



4 EASTERN SHORE 

friends at home, such as good post office and tele- 
graph facilities, etc. A winter resort that can 
add these to climatic inducements, lias a great 
advantage; and these advantages, to their fullest 
extent, the Eastern Shore of Maryland can un- 
hesitatingly claim. 

Improvement to health from change of 
air. The marked improvement in health, pro- 
duced by a change from the city to the country, 
even for a short period, and the great ameliora- 
tion, and even cure,of various diseases effected by 
a removal from one part of the country to another, 
are matters of daily remark. It may suffice to 
mention, in reference to this fact, pulmonary af- 
fections, asthma, hay fever, dyspepsia, intermittent 
fever and various nervous disorders. Those 
diseases are often benefitted and not unfrequently 
cured,after having long resisted medical treatment, 
by simple change of situation ; or they are found 
to yield, under the influence of this, to remedies 
which previously made little or no impression 
upon them. 

Climate in pulmonary consumption. In 
pulmonary consumption, the most frequent 
and fatal of all constitutional diseases, it is uni- 



OP MARYLAND. -5 

versally conceded, that change of climate has been 
attended by more favorable results than any 
other plan of treatment yet devised. It has 
prolonged the lives of thousands, and thousands 
have died under its operation, either from an 
improper selection of cases or an ignorant choice 
of locality. 

The Eastern Shore comparatively ex- 
empt from pulmonary diseases. It is not 
pretended that the climate itself exercises any 
specific agency in the cure of consumption ; on 
the contrary, there is scarcely any known climate 
that does not foster its growth and dissemination, 
It is widespread throughout all latitudes and 
under every meridian ; but it is probably less 
frequent and destructive on the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland than in any other known locality. It 
was formerly supposed to be a disease of cold 
climates especially, and that a change to a very 
hot climate was the best means of averting or of 
curing it. We know now that very nearly the 
opposite of this obtains. Consumption is seldom 
met with in the Arctic Regions, nor in places 
under very high latitudes, such as Iceland, the 
Orkneys, or Siberia. 



6 EASTERN SHORE 

Rational treatment of consumption. The 
symptoms of consumption, as observable in the 
pulmonary system, cannot be treated by direct 
local application ; no simple atmospheric condi- 
tion will relieve them of itself, or it would be 
unnecessary for the patient to leave home at all. 
since an artificial climate concocted in bis own 
dwelling would, if such were the case, answer all 
his wants. But it is, as ])v. Jackson asserts, "to 
the general constitutional dihciencies and to the 
complications of the disorder that the invalid's 
attention should be particularly addressed. 
Exercise in the open air, cheerful scenery, a 
well-regulated diet, and other regimenal circum- 
stances, are of the utmost importance; and. in 
selecting a situation for a consumptive, must be 
duly weighed." 



CHAPTER II. 

HOW HEALTH RESORTS BECOME KNOWN. 

Popular favor will follow public notice. 
The Eastern Shore - of Maryland undoubtedly 
possesses many climatic advantages. In the low- 
er peninsular the temperature during the winter 
is comparatively mild, and the atmosphere re- 
markably clear and bracing. Indeed it would 
seem that Mother Nature had predestined this 
particular locality as a winter resort; but while 
the intentions of "Mother Nature "may be 
excellent, something more is necessary before the 
place with its countless advantages can rise to the 
position for which nature may have designed it. 
It must first be brought into public notice, and 
popular favor will soon follow. 

How Cannes and Mentone Ijecame 
known. The climate of Cannes, the renowned 
winter resort in the South of France, is no finer 
now th.an it was before Lord Brougham accidently 
visited it a few years ago, built a house there 
and brought the place into notice. 



EASTERN SHORE 

An inscription on a house in Mentone, another 
popular and much frequented resort in the south 
of France, records that in 1885 the first discoverer 
of that spot as a health resort arrived there, yet 
the fact of J>r. Henry Bennett, of London, going 
to Mentone for his health, practicing as a physi- 
cian there during the winter, and subsequently 
writing a most facinating hook about it. is the 
chief reason why Mentone lias increased in popu- 
lation and prospered in such a phenominal 
manner. 

Abbazia and the Benedictine Monks. A 
physician ofFiurne, on the Adriatic, is entitled 
to the credit of having discovered that the spot 
on which the Benedictine monks had settled, 
known as Abbazia, was well fitted for others to 
regain health and enjoy life. Several years after 
a wealthy citizen of the same place built the 
famous, •• Villa of Angiolina," close to the ruined 
Abby, and laid out the beautiful grounds which 
surround it; filling them with rare plants.- which 
would not flourish at Fiume, in the open air, 
though the Villa is only a few miles distant from 
that town, lie placed his villa at the disposal of 
invalids among his acquaintances, and it gradually 



OF MARYLAND. 9 

became known how much benefit could be derived 
by those in delicate health from a sojourn at 
Abbazia during the months when the weather at 
Fiume was trying and bleak. In 1860 the fame 
of Abbazia reached the ears of Empress Maria 
Anna, and she spent some months in the Villa 
Angiolina. Several Austrian Archdukes have 
since visited the place, the last visitor of note 
' being King Milan. Where Empresses and Kings 
take their pleasure, minor mortals are expected to 
congregate, and in the case of Abbazia this 
anticipation has been fully realized, for during 
the winter of 1888-9 the available accommodation 
was not sufficient to meet the demand. 

How Biarritz came to be patronized. 
The patronage of Biarritz by the Emperor 
Napolean III and the Empress caused the place 
to grow apace, hotels and villas being built all 
along the cliff, and towards the close of his reign 
it was beyond all question the most brilliant 
seaside resort in Europe. The Spaniards who 
visited Biarritz to a limited extent when it was a 
mere fishing village, flocked there in large 
numbers to enjoy the hospitality of the court, and 



10 EASTERN SHORE 

a great many Russians of distinction, invited to 
the Imperial villa, discovered that Biarritz was a 
much more desirable seaside resort than thos< 
along the Belgian coast to which they had been 
in the habit of resorting, and they spread the 
knowledge of this abroad among their fellow- 
countrymen. 

But of English visitors there were at that time 
very few, and the way in which they came to 
know and appreciate the place is very curious. 
The firsl English visitors at Biarritz were son:* 
descendents of officers who had fallen in the 
campaign of Wellington against Soult. They 
had come out to search for the graves of theii 
relatives, and while examining the little cemeten 
at Biarritz, they noticed that nearly all the native 
tombs there were of very young children or very 
old people. They found upon further inquiry 
that, as a matter of fact, the mortality in Biarritz 
was exceedingly low, which induced them to 
recommend it as a healthy residence. Tjiat the 
English people now appreciate the former fishing 
village as a winter residence may be inferred from 
the fact that they go there each year in increasing 
numbers, and last winter, — 1 888-9, — Her majesty. 



OF MARYLAND. 11 

Queen Victoria, added, by her presence, to the 
attractions of the place, where she was received 
with " present arms" by French soldiers, some 
of them, no doubt, descendants of the men who 
fought against her grandfather's troops three- 
quarters of a century ago. 

Florida brought into notice by the civil 
war. If the Northern armies of our own conn try 
had not encamped in Florida during the civil war, 
the balmy climate of Jacksonville, St. Augustin, 
and other places in that state might never have 
come into repute. But half the task is accom- 
plished, after nature has done her part. It is 
necessary, first, that a health resort should be 
rendered easily accessible, and. secondly, that 
some one should appreciate its merits and make 
hem known. 

The Eastern Shore as a health station. 1 
is worthy of note that the peninsular of Maryland 
possesses extraordinary advantages as a health 
station. It is one of the iX'w places that otters to 
one class of invalids the attraction of a compara- 
tively wiild and moderately dry climate in winter, 
and to another class excellent sea-bathing in 
summer. There is no reason, therefore, why, if 



12 EASTERN SHORE 

properly adorned by art, it should not be crowded 
with strangers during both the winter and 
summer seasons. The catering places in the 
south of England, though much interior, in point 
of climate, to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, are 
resorted to all the year round; but the class of 
patients visiting them during the winter season 
is a very different one from that which is found 
at them in the summer. 

A moderate summer climate. It is gen- 
erally supposed that the climate of the peninsula 
is intolerably hot in mid-summer, but this is an 
assumption which is not justified by the facts. 
The heat of summer is not by any means oppress- 
ive; on the contrary the temperature is so 
modified by the south and south-east winds 
passing over large volumes of salt water, that 
the extremes of temperature are nothing like so 
great as at many mountain resorts, where the 
thermometer will frequently regester over blood- 
heat at mid-day and but little above freezing at 
night. The mornings and evenings on the 
Eastern Shore are usually cool and charming, 
during most of the summer, and no one who has 
not visited the locality at that season can form 



OF MARYLAND. 1-3 

a notion of how enjoyable the climate really is. 
The richness of the verdure and the luxuriance 
of the vegetation mark it as a spot rich in 
climatic advantages. 



14 EASTERN SHORE; 



CHAPTER III. 

ATMOSPHERIC INFUENCES. 

The influence of atmospheric air. It was 
not without reason that the ancients called the 
air we breathe, Pabulum Yit.e, for it is to us an 
essential, vital food which we take from the first 
to the last moment of life, on an average of 
eighteen respirations per minute, and m quantity 
about eight cubic metres every twenty four 
hours. 

' Considering this and analagous facts, we can 
comprehend the great influence, for good or for 
evil, that the air which surrounds us exercises on 
life in general, and particularly on the health and 
well being of the human organization. The 
study of atmospheric influences is, however, very 
complicated ; it embraces a knowledge of the 
temperature of the air, of its density, humidity 
and chemical composition ; of its electrical con- 
dition and many other circumstances counected 
with it. 



OF MARYLAND. 15 

Climate modified by local conditions. 
The combination of all these conditions acts 
powerfully on the animal economy, the effects of 
which may be seen on the inhabitants of different 
parts of the world. It is by examining these 
questions in detail that we are enabled to judge 
of a climate, to decide as to its hygienic qualities. 
or unhealthy state. But the primal causes 
which constitute the great difference in climates 
are infinitely modified by local conditions, for the 
air is the receptacle of the exhalations from the 
earth, and from all organic matters, animal and 
vegetable, upon the earth. It is the combination 
of these different circumstances which opens such 
a vast field of observation to clematologists. 

Value of climate in the treatment of 
disease. The value of climate in the treatment 
of diseases has been recognized in all ages, A\ e 
read that during the Empire of Augustus, the 
Romans sent their consumptives to Cemenelum, 
the ancient City of Cimies, situated on the 
Appenine hills which border the western coast of 
the Mediterranean, a locality greatly esteemed on 
account of its delightful and salubrious climate. 

Changes in the climate of the Eastern 
Shore. In the early settlement of our country 



16 EASTERN SHORE 

the Eastern Shore of Maryland was selected as a 
place of residence, not only with reference to the 
fertility of the soil, but also on account of the 
healthfulness of the climate, which does not seem 
to have undergone much change since that period, 
except in its hygrometric condition, which has 
been somewhat modified by the destruction of the 
primitive forests that then covered the entire 
country. By this change the air has become 
drier, and consequently milder in winter, but 
warmer in summer. Among the residents it has 
ever enjoyed a high reputation for salubrity, 
except in certain well defined areas, where, owing 
to bad drainage,malarial influences have prevailed : 
but such fevers are not by any means as prevalent 
as is generally supposed, and it is quite astonishing 
that this favored locality witli its luxuriant 
vegetation and delightful climate, pre-eminently 
suited to many cases of disease, especially of a 
pulmonary character, should have remained so 
long unknown to strangers and unsought by 
valetudinarians. That the people of Maryland 
appreciate the Eastern Shore as a winter climate 
may be inferred from the fact that many visit there 
during the winter, and not a few have purchased 



OF MARYLAND. 17 

property with the view of making it their future 
home. It is true that the residents have the 
locality pretty well to themselves during the 
months of July and August, for notwithstanding 
the fact that that season of the year on the 
peninsula is undoubtedly cooler than many places 
further north or east, invalids and pleasure 
seekers who have the means of gratifying their 
tastes prefer going to the mountains. There are, 
however, several summer resorts on the bay and 
ocean shores, which afford excellent sea-bathing 
and are well patronized during the summer 
months. 

Theoretic composition of the atmosphere. 
It is unnecessary to discuss here the theoretic 
composition of the atmosphere, and the means 
which have been employed by scientific observers 
to determine the constancy of certain, and the 
variability of other, of its parts. What we 
understand by a pure air, practically considered, 
is one containing a sufficiency of vital elements, 
having, at the same time, a due capacity for those 
effete matters which it is the object of the lungs 
to throw into it during the act of respiration. 
Of the various gases exhaled from the surface of 



18 EASTERN SHORE 

the globe, and by which the atmosphere is 
deteriorated we need not now treat. The 
commonest laws of sanitary science inculcate the 
necessity of preventing such emanations, so far as 
man can effect an end so salutary, whilst other 
sources of impurity, which by reason of their 
extent are beyond his control will be adverted to 
at the proper time and place. 

Ozone and its antiseptic functions. In 
discussing atmospheric influences, however, it is 
necessary to advert briefly to that occult atmos- 
pheric ingredient known as Ozone, whose 
mysterious nature has been made the subject of 
comparatively recent inquiry. This allotropic 
form of oxygen is a gas possessed of remarkable 
powers of oxidation, and on that account is 
supposed to be capable of strong disinfecting and 
antiseptic functions, whereby it relieves the 
atmosphere of noxious miasmata and other 
impurities; it is incapable of supporting animal 
life, and when breathed in its pure state, irritates 
the lining membrane of the air-passng°s. Much 
has been expected from this new atmospheric 
element. It has been stated that in it lies the 
secret antagonism of epidemics; because there is 



OF MARYLAND. 19 

evidence to prove that during calm weather this 
class of diseases increase in virulence, whilst 
ozone, under the same atmospheric condition, 
diminishes in amount; and that when winds 
arise the pestilence retreats, whilst, and perhaps 
becaus3, ozone increases in quantity. We know 
that ozone is present in considerable quantities in 
many localities on the Eastern Shore, but we have 
no means of determining the exact quantity, nor 
can we aver that it has any specific action upon 
the health of the country. We must not forget 
that the beneficial effects derivable from climate 
are to be found in the sum of many conditions, 
and not in the specific action of one new atmos- 
pheric agent. 



20 EASTERN SHORE 



OHAPTEE IV. 

THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE 
EASTERN SHORE. 

Extent of the peninsula. Of that fertile 
section of the state of Maryland, known as the 
•• Eastern Shore," Ave need only speak in general 
terms at this time, as it will be, for the purposes 
of this work, sufficiently brought before the 
reader in succeeding chapters. 

The Chesapeake and Delaware Peninsula 
contains an area of six thousand square miles, 
bounded on the north by the State of Pennsylva- 
nia, on the east by the Delaware Bay and the 
Atlantic Ocean, on the south and west by the 
Atlantic and the broad Chesapeake Bay. Its 
extreme length is about one hundred and eighty 
miles, its greatest breadth from sixty to seventy, 
and its least about ten miles. This territory 
lying between 37.50° and -±0° north latitude, and 
longitude 75° and ?6° west, belongs to three 



OP MARYLAND. 21 

States and is divided as follows-: Eastern Shore 
of Maryland, fire-ninths, State of Delaware, 
three-ninths, Eastern Shore of Virginia, one- 
ninth. 

Isothermal lines. Thus situated it lies 
between two isothermal lines, corresponding 
respectively to a mean annual temperature of 55° 
and 60° Farh. Its northern aspect is not less 
than 2 C lower than Rome, while its southern 
boundary is about on the same parallel with 
Madrid. Tts favorable latitude, taken in connec- 
tion with other circumstances, renders the climate 
pleasant throughout the year. 

Atlantic coast lines. The Atlantic coast 
of this peninsula extends from Cape Charles on 
the south to Cape Henlopen on the north, and 
presents in trending a series of infractuosities 
which have the effect not only of increasing 
the extent of sea-board, but likewise of investing 
its natural scenery with additional attractions, 
and its climate with greater mildness and 
equilibrity. It is well watered, and although it 
can scarcely lay claim to the title of a well wooded 
region, it is not by any means destitute of forests, 
which furnish, among others, fine specimens of 



22 EASTERN SHORE 

oak, chestnut, cedar, elm, pine and cypress trees. 
Its forests and streams abound with game, fish 
and oysters, to be had for the mere taking, so 
living is sure and life made easy and comfortable. 
In certain localities, both on the east and west 
sides of the peninsula, there are considerable 
marshes, some of which owe their existence to bad 
drainage; but it is to be hoped that the sanitary 
measures hitherto so vigorously pressed by the 
Maryland State Board of Health will not cease 
until such morbific agencies are entirely eradi- 
cated. The soil of the lower peninsula consists 
of a compound of sand and marl, together with 
cal carious formations, resting for the most part 
on a bed of marl. At many places the soil is 
impregnated with salt, and a greater or less 
quantity of saltpetre. 

Topographical aspects and position. 
As to its topographical aspect and position, the 
surface of the peninsula, though generally level, 
may be said to shelve from north-northeast, to 
south-southwest. By this declivity the beams 
of the sun, during the winter solstice, fall more 
directly and perpendicularly than if the surface 
were entirely level and parallel to the sun, or 



OF MARYLAND. 23 

what, for climatic purposes, would be worse, 
declined from south to north, which would cause, 
so to speak, a double obliquity, — the one from the 
position of the sun, the other from the formation 
or situation of the land. 

The aspect or exposure of the land's surface 
forms an important object for consideration in 
the study of climate. It does not follow that the 
general inclination of the whole country is to be 
taken into the account, but the aggregate of local 
exposures is often a safe guide to the general 
climatic conditions. If what has been said of the 
direction of the solar rays in their passage to the 
earth be true, it is obvious that the southern and 
western aspects of the Peninsula must be subject 
to less extensive ranges of temperature than that 
of the east, for in the former the sun sheds its 
beams upon the surface with unmitigated force 
during the winter, while the eastern aspect, 
caeteris jwribus, can never be so warm, because 
the power of the morning sun in warming the 
ground is counteracted by the cold effects of the 
preceding night, whereas, the afternoon sun falls 
upon ground which has been gradually rising in 
temperature during the forenoon. This, how- 



M EASTERN SHORE 

ever, does not hold good in the summer when the 
sun is at its greatest altitude, and consequently 
must pass its beams in a vertical direction, 
shedding warmth alike on all exposures. 

Dr. Jackson, who has written with much 
ability on the subject of climate, says: 

" A moderately undulating country is prefera- 
ble to one either altogether mountainous or- 
al together flat. Close valleys are subject to all 
the inconveniences of a sluggish atmosphere, and 
their occupants sutler accordingly. An open 
country, on the contrary, which permits the sun's 
rays on all sides, and a free course to the winds, 
especially if possessed of sufficient declivity for 
carrying off the water briskly, is generally healthy. 
It is in the valleys of the Alps, where the atmos- 
phere is so pent up that it cannot circulate, and 
whose waters stagnate and evaporate, filling the 
air with noisome fogs, that we meet with that 
unhappy and degraded abnormity of humanity, 
the Cretin." 

Sir James Clark regards a long residence in a 
very mild climate as unsuitable to young persons 
disposed to tubercular disease. He says : 

"Long residence in a very equable climate is 



*DF MARYLAND. 25 

not congenial to health, even with all the advan- 
tages of exercise in the open air. A moderate 
range of temperature and of atmospheric changes 
seems necessary to the main tai nance of health ; 
and hence it is, that many invalids who derive 
great benefit from a temporary residence in a 
mild, warm situation, do nut bear a long residence 
mi such an atmosphere without injury." 

Dr. Combe, during his residence in Madeira, 
remarked that invalids were better when the 
temperature was less steady, and the weather 
more variable, than when the season was unusual- 
ly mild and equable. The same effects have been 
found to result from a long residence at some of 
our southern health stations. Such situations 
form excellent residences for a time, after which 
the patient ceases to improve, and rather loses 
than gains strength. As a winter residence for 
invalids, and also as a residence during the whole 
year, the peninsula of Maryland, both on account 
of its topography and temperature, is to be 
preferred, in most cases, to more southern stations. ■ 
Aged invalids, and those suffering from pulmona- 
ry cachexia will more particularly derive benefit 



26 EASTERN SHORE 

by residing on the Eastern Shore during the 
whole year. 

The topographical peculiarities of the peninsula 
account, in a measure, for the predominant 
characteristics of its climate; but they do not, at 
first sight, convey to the mind of the casual 
observer a correct appreciation of their sanitary 
influence. Thus it is generally inferred, from the 
marshy aspect of the lower peninsula, that inter- 
mittent fever would necessarily prevail to a great 
extent, whereas, the experience of later years is 
in complete opposition to such an inference. 
How the idea that the Eastern Shore of Maryland 
is more than ordinarily malarious and unhealthy 
originated, it is not of importance to inquire ; but 
that tliis opinion is founded on error we shall be 
able to prove, by reference to historical facts and 
statistical data. 

Prevailing winds. By reason of the moun, 
tains of Pennsylvania and Maryland the Eastern 
Shore is peculiarly circumstanced with respect to 
its prevailing winds. To the west and north- 
westarethe Blue Ridge Mountains ; but they are 
sufficiently far off to insure a break in the bleak 
and piercing winds which come from that 



OF MARYLAND. 27 

direction. Those winds are usually very dry and 
have the effect of sweeping away the vapers 
emanating from the marshes of the peninsula 
giving rise to a serene and transparent atmosphere. 
The only draw hack to this otherwise salubrious 
wind exists in the vicisitudes of temperature 
which it occasions, though these are neither soe 
intense nor sudden as the mistral, the north-west 
wind so well known and so much dreaded in 
Southern France and Italy. The west wind 
is not so much felt as those from the north-east, 
for it appears rather to pass over the peninsula 
and fall upon the ocean at a considerable distanc, 
from the shore; while the latter are cold and 
piercing and fall more directly upon the land. 
The duration of the north-east wind, however, 
is never long; on ordinary occasions it ceases after 
twelve or twenty four hours. The high lands 
north of the peninsula oppose quite an effectual 
barrier to the boreal winds, which would other- 
wise sweep vehemently over the land. But the 
direct east wind and those from the south and 
south-east have a free course, and may be called 
the determining winds of the climate. 



28 EASTERN SHORE 

Social aspects. In regard to tire social 
aspects of the Eastern Shore, not much need be 
said. The people are proverbial for their culture, 
refinement and hospitality. The native residents- 
are for the most part descended from the cavaliers 
and still preserve, in a striking manner, the 
characteristics of that brave people. 

Although the tine forests, that once sheltered 
so many wild animals and specimens of floral 
grandeur have, to a great extent, given place to 
the comforts and elegancies of modern homes, the 
farmer — prince of the soil — still as of yore, sits 
in the shade of the wide-spreading oak, and 
" under his own vine and fig tree " watches the 
growing strength of his crops, listens to the mur- 
muring surge of the ocean, and witnesses the 
gorgeous effects of the setting sun on the placid 
waters of the Chesapeake bay. 

Residential improvements. Of all the 
improvements that have been effected in this 
section of the State of late years, none present 
themselves so readily to the eye as residential 
improvements. In former years that regard for 
outward appearances, which enhances so much 
the enjoyment of a country home, were not prop- 



OF MARYLAND. 29 

erly regarded, but such is not the case at the 
present day. Far from there being a want of 
taste in the construction and decoration of houses, 
some pretension to it is every where found, from 
the exterior architectural elevation of the princi- 
pal front, down to the arrangement of a nosegay 
on the mantle, while everything about the prem- 
ises marks the salutary influence of culture and 
refinement. Surrounded by beds of flowers and 
groups of ornamental shrubs and plants, the pri- 
vate residences on the Eastern Shore make a 
pleasing and inviting impression on strangers. 

Hospitality of the section. Always dis- 
tinguished for his attachment to "creature 
comforts," such as canvas- back ducks and 
diamond-back terrapins, the Eastern Shoreman is 
renowned for cordial and unaffected hospitality, 
and is never better pleased than when the refine- 
ments and pleasures of his home are shared by 
friends and strangers. The latch string hangs 
on the outside, at all times, and with true hospi- 
tality he delights to " welcome the coming and 
speed the parting guest." 

Social and substantial comforts. Inva- 
lids seeking an invigorating and pleasant winter 



30 EASTERN SHORE 

climate will find it here; but, at present, they 
can only obtain accommodations in the village 
hotels, or, preferably, in private families, where 
they may secure both social and substantial com- 
forts. No proper accommodations have yet been 
provided for the public, except at Tolchester and 
Eock Hall, in Kent county, Oxford,in Talbot coun- 
ty, and Ocean City, in Worcester county, but na- 
ture's materials are here for a great sanitarium, and 
soon there will be a disposition — a savoir /aire — 
to make use of them.* The climate is undoubt- 
edly a pleasant and salubrious one, during both 
winter and summer, and when this fact becomes 
more widely known the means of enjoying it will 
be amply supplied. 



* Eastern and Salisbury are now contemplating the con- 
struction of large modern Hotels for the accommodation of 
winter guests. 



OF MARYLAND. 31 



CHAPTER V. 

FLORA, FORESTS AND FRUITS. 

Vegetation of the Eastern Shore. We 
must not fail, as connected with the subject of 
climate, to glance at the vegetation which abounds 
on the Eastern Shore. There is no better 
criterion by which to judge of the conditions of 
the climate and soil of a locality than the 
observation of its plants. Without voluntary 
motion, fixed to the spot which contains the 
conditions of their origin and future development, 
the children of Flora live their dreamy life and 
are for the observer mute yet eloquent witnesses 
of occurrences which exert their unfailing influ- 
ences upon the welfare of mankind. Luxuriant 
and full of vitality, they fulfil under favorable 
circumstances their entire functions; that is to 
say, they- germinate and grow, they bloom and 
ripen their fruit and die, as soon as the task of 
their respective lives is accomplished. 



32 EASTERN SHORE 

If all the conditions favorable to their existence 
are not united, the latter is not necessarily 
endangered, but will develop only those vegetable 
organs which are absolutely necessary for their 
existence. Such is the case with many cryptogams, 
which form roots, branches, twigs and leaves, but 
neither flowers nor fruit. If these scanty 
conditions of life should be altogether wanting, 
the possibility of the continued existence of the 
plant is entirely removed, and it disappears from 
the locality where it previously existed ; but its 
blooming sisters tell by their presence of the 
existence of those conditions which are necessary 
for their life and growth. 

" The soil," says Prof. Hoffmann, "exhibits to 
a certain degree its entire interior in the plants 
which cover it. Peat betrays itself by peculiar 
plants which only grow in large quantities and to 
perfection in such a soil. Swamps which contain 
salt are recognized by the existence of certain 
plants which are no where found except on the 
sea-shore, or in the neighborhood of great bodies 
of salt water.'' A certain knowledge of these 
conditions is of practical value ; it furnishes hints 
for the cultivation of newlv cleared tracks of 



OF MARYLAND. 33 

land; it gives information of the condition and 
intrinsic value of the ground ; and, it may be 
added, it often very clearly characterizes the 
climate prevailing m a certain district of 
country. 

Luxuriant forests. In addition to its Flo- 
ra, the Eastern Shore of Maryland abounds with 
fragrant and luxuriant forests, which produce 
from early spring until late in the fall an agreea- 
ble coolness, while in winter they diffuse an 
apparent warmth. The forests consist of oak, 
chestnut, Cyprus, laurel, and a variety of soft 
wood. Pines cover considerable districts, and 
perfume the air with their balsamic odors, at the 
same time impregnating it with ozone or peroxide 
of hydrogen, and rendering it more salubrious, 
both in summer and winter. 

The pine tree as an Anti-misasmatic. The 
anti-miasmatic power of pine forests has been 
long supposed to have some connection with the 
volatile oil which is naturally secreted by them, 
and which finds its way by evaporation into the 
atmosphere. But, in explanation of these results, 
it has been generally held that the volatile oils 
have the power, in some way, of giving rise to 



34 EASTERN SHORE" 

ozone,— u substance, which, judging from it& 
chemical properties, may be supposed to oxidise 
or burn up the malarial matter infesting some- 
soils, and especially the atmosphere of fresh- 
water marshes. 

In connection with the salutary properties of 
pine forests, it is interesting to notice a few facts 
which have become matters of general experience,. 
— facts which, known from very early times, have 
come down to posterity without any adequate 
explanation. It has been known for ages that 
the atmosphere of pine forests is most favorabh 
to invalids suffering from pulmonary affections, 
and even at the present time it is customary to 
send invalids to breathe the exhalations of the 
Ooniferae. 

Dr. Cornelius Fox, in his interesting work on 
ozone, dwells upon this subject, and alludes to 
the fact recorded by Herodian, that, " in a plague 
which devastated Italy in the second century, 
strangers crowding into Rome were directed by 
the physicians to retreat to Lauren turn, now San 
Lorenzo, that, by a cooler atmosphere, and by the 
odor of laurel, they might escape the danger of 
infection." 



<o:f babylantx 35 

Reviewing the above recited facts we may state 
as indisputable: First, that the pine tree is valu- 
able in preventing malarial fevers; secondly, that 
pulmonary affections are relieved by the exhala- 
tions from pine forests, and by the action of the 
tree in absorbing water, and thereby drying the 
soil; * thirdly, that pine forests exercise impor- 
tant hygienic influences generally; fourthly, that 
terpentine and other products generated naturally 
in pine forests, also possess certain properties 
which render them valuable as sanitary appli- 
ances. Even if we allow a fair margin for any 
pardonable, but perhaps inevitable exaggeration 
on the part of the different authorities who have 
investigated the question, and put down a certain 
number of results as doubtful, and some of the 
conclusions as erroneous, there yet remains abun- 
dant evidence of the hygienic value of pine 
forests, and a large amount of positive data 
regarding the antiseptic, disinfecting and health- 
ful properties of certain products natural to these 
forests. 



* Thesho >tsof the roots of pine trees throw out thousands 
of threadlike fibres, which suck up a great quantity of water, 
an 1 that which is not utilized in the rapid growth of the trees 
is ultimately evaporated with the essential oil from the 
leaves.— Natures Hygiene p. 268. 



36 EASTERN SHORE 

Fruit trees and fruit. The Eastern Shore 
abounds in all kinds of fruit bearing trees, yield- 
ing the most delicious fruit, such as peaches, 
pears, apples, apricots and all sorts of stone and 
other kinds of fruit, vines bearing the most xe- 
quisite grapes clingto and hang down from trellis 
works in nearly every garden, as well as on the 
hill sides where this fruit ripens in large quanti- 
ties. r l ne estuaries of the hay abound in the 
finest fish, oysters, crabs, terrapins and water- 
fowls, affording line amusement for anglers and 
sportsmen. 



OF MARYLAND. 37 



CHAPTER VI. 

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 

The Eastern Shore a temperate climate. 
In observing the vegetation of the peninsula of 
Maryland during the greater part of the year — 
its soil enameled with flowers, and with the 
verdure of plants and trees — one might almost 
imagine that this favored land belonged to some 
tropical climate ; but the thermometric changes 
indicate, on the contrary, that it belongs to the 
temperate zone. The climate, however, is 
characterised by moderate warmth and dryness. 
The prevailing winds in winter are those from 
the west and northwest, which are generally dry 
and bracing. The east and south winds, which 
often blow for days at a time, are warmer and 
more humid. Northeast winds, which are 
unpleasant, usually prevail, not longer than one 
or two days, about the time of the equinox, but 
are infrequent during the remainder of the 
year. 



38 EASTERN SHORE 

Average annual temperature. The aver- 
age annual temperature of selected localities of 
the peninsula is 57° Farh., being 27° warmer 
than Boston. 25° wanner than Chicago, 24° 
warmer than Colorado Springs, 22° warmer than 
New York, 18° warmer than Cincinnati, 4° 
warmer than Baltimore and Washington, and 5° 
warmer than Penzance, a favorite winter resort in 
England; 3° colder than Rome, and 8° colder 
than Madeira. But of all the statistics of tem- 
perature, those representing the annual mean are 
perhaps the least important in forming an 
estimate of the comparative merits of different 
health stations. The Maryland Peninsula, for 
instance, is on aboui the same isothermal line as 
Italy (58°) and Spain (1)1°), but the temperature 
of the two latter places is much more balmy 
during a greater part of the winter, and altogether 
more relaxing and enervating. 

Mean winter temperature. The mean 
temperature of the lower Peninsula for December, 
January. February and March, the four coldest 
months of the year, may be reckoned at 40° — 
42° ; or about 18° warmer than Boston, 15° 
warmer than Chicago, \'2° warmer than Colorado 



OF MARYLAND. 39 

Springs, 6° warmer than Baltimore, 2° warmer 
than Atlantic City, 1° colder than Ashville, X. C, 
5° colder than San Francisco, 7° colder than 
Aiken, S. C, and 18° colder than Jacksonville, 
Fla. Of foreign stations it is 20° colder than 
Madeira (60°), 9° colder than Koine (49°), 8° 
colder than Xice (48°), and about the same 
temperature as Penzance. The temperature 
throughout the year is probably, more equally 
distributed on the Peninsula than at any other 
place on the sea- board, the mean between the 
warmest and coldest months being about 30° — 
32°. In steadiness of temperature it ranks next 
to Aiken, S. 0. 

Mean summer temperature. The warm 
months, from May to October, are more pleasant 
on the Peninsula than is generally supposed; the 
temperature (the mean of which, for the four 
months, may be stated at 72°) does not rise so 
high in the day or fall as low at night as in more 
northern localities. During the day the action 
of the sun's rays renders the earth warmer 
than the surrounding saltwater, and a constant 
current of moderately humid and cool air is 
brought from the ocean and the bay to the land, 



40 EASTERN" SHORE 

which contributes greatly to lessen the tempera- 
ture, that otherwise would be very warm. During 
the night this action is reversed, as the tempera- 
ture of the water is warmer than that of the earth, 
which is a better conductor of heat than the 
water, and consequently the winds set in from the 
mountains of Western Maryland towards the 
ocean, passing over the bay. These constant 
aerial changes, followed by the condensation and 
rarification of the atmosphere by the sun's rays, 
serves to cool the air and render it more 
salubrious. Autumn on the Eastern Shore with 
the exception of a few days perhaps of equinoxial 
storms, is the most beautiful season of the year, 
and introduces the winter in a gradual manner. 
The changes from one season to another are not 
usually abrupt, but on the contrary the thermom- 
eter shows that the atmospheric oscillations are 
modified in a successive and gradual manner. 

Atmospheric pressure. Id determining 
the sanitary condition of a locality the question of 
atmospheric pressure, verified by barometric 
observations, is not less important than a record 
of the temperature; and, in this connection, it 
may not be amiss to state that the borometer 



OF MARYLAND. 41 

indicates two important qualities in the atmos- 
phere of the peninsula. 

1. The atmospheric pressure is usually very 
great, and consequently the air is rich in oxygen. 

2. The velocity of the atmosphere is considera- 
bly modified, the average yearly amount of wind 
in miles being about 95.50, which is less than at 
most any neighboring health station on the 
Atlantic coast. 

These two circumstances are of the greatest 
importance to persons suffering from affections 
of the respiratory organs. The geographical 
position of the locality, with reference to the level 
of the sea, where the air is continually under the 
influence of a great pressure, satisfactorily explains 
the strong barometric pressure. 

In estimating climates according to their 
humidity, Vivenot, a German hydrologist, adopts 
the following classification. 

1. Dry Climate,<a> J Excessively dry 1—55% relative humidity 

(b) ) Moderately dry 56— 70°) 

2. Moist Climate, (a) | Moderately moist 71- 85 

(b) f Excessively moist 86— 100 

The mean Relative Humidity, of the Eastern 
Shore, representing the amount of water contained 



42 EASTERN SHORE 

in the air at a given temperature, being about 56, 
it would rank as a moderately dry climate, and 
this is corroborated by other tests. Iron does nob 
rust easily, and clothes dry rapidly in the open 
air. Lucifer matches do not readily become soft 
and useless, and wearing apparel rarely Incomes 
limp under the influence of the ordinary atmos- 
phere. 

Dr. R. E. Scoresby — Jackson, in his valuable 
work on Medical ( 'limafalogy, says : — 

"The prevailing amount of moisture contained 
in the atmosphere, and the relative frequency of 
rainy days of a locality, are characteristics of the 
utmost importance. Extremes of dryness and 
humidity are alike injurious, and produce effects 
corresponding with the natural temperament of 
the individual. Thus, a dry air, being powerfully 
tonic and stimulating, is agreeable to persons of 
relaxed habit of body and leucophlegmatic tem- 
perament, because, having a large capacity for 
moisture, it tends to carry off from their bodies 
those stagnant and depressing humors which clog 
the organic functions. But, on the other hand, 
they who are nervous and irritable, and of san- 
guinolent constitution, cannot bear the excitation 



<0P MARYLAND. 43 

caused by a dry air; they require a certain amount 
of moisture to allay the excess of tonicity already 
•existing. A moderately dry atmosphere, however, 
is best adapted to the physical condition of man- 
kind generally; not only on account of its direct 
effect upon his body, but also because it is that 
state which least of all encourages the diffusion 
of poisonous gases. A humid atmosphere is 
generally deleterious; if accompanied by heat, it 
wearies and debilitates the frame ; being already 
surcharged with moisture, it refuses to receive the 
aqueous exhalations which the lungs and the skin 
are both desirous of imparting to it, and a sense 
of oppression and heaviness is the result. When 
accompanied by cold, the above discomforts are 
increased by a feeling of chilliness and an absolute 
tendency to many forms of disease. With the 
atmosphere in such a condition as this, the organ- 
ic powers are enfeebled, they are incapable of 
performing the necessary chemical and mechani- 
cal functions required of them, and in consequence 
of this certain poisons are generated within the 
system, which in their turn, vitiate the blood, and 
ultimately manifest their presence by local deter- 
minations, such as we observe in scrofula, 



44 EASTERN SHORE 

rheumatism, pulmonary consumption, and the 
like. The causes of atmospheric moisture exist 
chiefly in the condition of the soil, in the state of 
the cultivation of the country, and in proximity 
to the sea or other extensive bodies of water, and 
in the prevalence of certain winds." 

Precipitation of moisture. The precipi- 
tation of moisture in the form of rain varies in 
amount and frequency in different regions of the 
globe; in a few the phenomenon is almost un- 
known, whilst in some others it occurs every day. 
Places near the sea, or large bodies of salt water 
have usually an atmosphere well charged with 
aqueous vapor, for which, other things being 
equal, warm air has a greater capacity than cold. 
This kind of maritime moisture is, however, less 
deleterious than that arising from large bodies of 
water inland, and a person who could by no 
means bear the latter will endure the former 
with impunity. 

The following table will give a correct idea of 
the relative frequency of rain in Maryland as 
compared with some other states east of the 
Mississippi. 



OF MARYLAND. 



45 



LOCALITY. 



No. of 
Rainy Days. 



Maine 93 

New Hampshire j 76 

Vermont ! 89 

Mass. & Conn '' 98 

Rhode Island | 96 

New York ! 109 

New Jersey I 118 

Pennsylvania j 119 

Delaware & Maryland 83 

Virginia 85 

N. &S. Carolina....' 89 

Oeorgia 83 

Florida 91 

Alabama 98 

Miss. & La 92 

Kentucky 

Ohio. 

Michigan 

Indiana & 111 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 



116 

117 
107 

89 
89 
98 



or 10 more than Maryland. 

or 7 less " 

or 6 more " 

or 15 " 

or 13 " 

or 26 " 

or 35 " 

or 36 " 

or 2 " 

or 6 " 

or 00 " 

or8 «' 

or 15 " 

or 9 

or 6 " 

or 33 " 

or 34 " 

or 24 " 
or 6 

or 6 " 

or 15 " 



An analysis of the above table shows that of 
the twenty states represented, but one had fewer 
rainy days, two had the same number, while in 
nineteen the number of rainy days was greater 
than in Maryland. 



The annexed table is a comparison of the annual 
rain-fall in the lower peninsula with several im- 
portant stations east of the Rocky Mountains : 



46 EASTERN SHORE 

Peninsula of Maryland ) n4 _ M . , 

South of 39° N. Latitude J 34 ' 25 mches - 

Atlantic City, N. J 40.24 " 

Baltimore, Md 43.18 " 

Barnegat, N. J 50.20 " 

Cape May, N. J 46.70 " 

Aikin, S. C 47.00 " 

Charleston, S. C 60.91 " 

Jacksonville, FJa 55.74 " 

Newport, K. 1 59.98 " 

New Orleans. La 05.63 " 

New York City 43.73 " 

Norfolk. Va 51.43 " 

Portland, Me 39.33 " 

Sandy Hook. \. .1 52.05 " 

Wilmington, N. C* 57 28 " 

It will beseen from the above that the rain fall 
on the lower peninsula is less than that of any 
station mentioned. In connection with this sub- 
ject a prominent citizen of Salisbury, Wicomico, 
Co., who lias paid considerable attention to the 
meteorological conditions of the Eastern Shore 
writes : 

"Usually the months of February and March 
yield the greatest amount of rain. We are south 
of what is called the wat or fog belt, designated 

* Average of 4 year? from 1882 to 1886. 



OF MARYLAND. 4? 

by an imaginary line drawn across the peninsula 
from Bombay Hook on the east coast of Delaware 
to Love Point the northern extremity of Kent 
Island, in Chesapeake bay. North of this line, 
ranging indefinitely, and changing somewhat in 
different seasons, there is a wet belt sixty or eigh- 
ty miles wide, running nearly N. E. & S. W. 
South of this line we have but little fog, except 
on the rivers where the salt and fresh waters 
divide, and near the line of the sea coast. 

"In regard to the rain fall, we have no means 
of determining this matter accurately, but this 
may be regarded as an exceptionally dry climate. 
I have been in the cities of New York, Philadel- 
phia and Wilmington, for three or four days at a 
time, in the months of April and May, encounter- 
ing rain each day ; returning home I found the 
farmers at their plows, and on inquiry learned 
that there had been sunshine all the while it was 
raining in the localities above referred to, and 
such a circumstance is not unusual. The annual 
rain-fall, I have no data by which to determine 
accurately; but should not think it is more than 
three fourths the amount you have in Baltimore, 
and in some seasons not more than one half; yet 



48 EASTERN SHORE 

we nearly always have enough, except occasionally 
in the month of August. We usually have rain 
once a week, sometimes in the Spring as often as 
three times in a week, but not generally. We 
seldom have fog, unless the wind blows for some 
time from a point north of east, which is not often 
the case. The air in clear weather will dry a wet 
towel exposed to it in less than an hour; matches 
seldom refuse to strike tire and burn when kept 
under shelter, whether the rooms are heated or 
not. Kid gloves do not spot from atmospheric 
moisture, and shoes treated with paste blacking 
do not mould." 

Average serial humidity. The average 
aerial humidity, which may be estimated at about 
55, is received principally from the midday winds, 
which passing over the ocean or bay take up 
watery vapors. This explains the existence of 
two hygrometric phenomena which appear some- 
what astonishing, viz., that there is more humid- 
ity in the atmosphere during the summer than in 
the winter, and also more during the day than at 
night. The evaporation of the salt water is 
naturally in proportion to the intensity of the 
suns rays in the summer, and the uniformity of 



©* MARYLAND. 49 

t\tz sea breezes; the midday winds blowing unin- 
terruptedly at this season explains the increased 
immidity of tire atmosphere, notwithstanding the 
fact that rain may not fall for several weeks 
together. The north and north-west winds of 
winter produce the driest atmosphere, for in com- 
ing over the tops of the mountains of Western 
Maryland and Pennsylvania, they are deprived of 
a great deal of humidity before reaching the low 
lands. 

Electricity in the atmosphere. We are 
disposed to believe that the air of the peninsula is 
more than usually surcharged with electricity, for 
the following reasons: 

1. From the continued evaporation of salt 
water on three sides. 

2. From the rich and flourishing vegetation. 

3. From the peculiarly exhilerating effect of 
respiring the air. 

4. From the uniformly gay and cheerful dispo- 
sitions which characterise the inhabitants. 

5. From the meteorological conditions which 
dispose to an overplus of electrical accumulation. 



50 EASTERN" SHORE 

6. From the effect of the air upon persons un- 
accustomed to breathing it.* 



Persons visiting the Eastern Shore who arc unaccustom- 
ed to breathing the air are likely to experience at first an 
excelerated circulation, palpitations, nuralgic pains (where 
there is excessive nervous irritability), insomnia, etc.; but 
by degrees — after 24 or 48 hours— they become, as it were, 
acclimated, and all purturbations and pains disappear. < >b- 
scrvations made in Kent County by Dr. A. P. Sharp show 
the prevalence of ozone in large quantities in the atmos- 
phere at all times. 



OF MARYLAND. 51 



CHAPTER VII. 

CIRCUMSTANCES INFLUENCING THE TEMPERA- 
TURE OF THE EASTERN SHORE. 
External configuration of the Earth's 
surface. That the external configuration of the 
earth's surface, aside from its influence upon 
various other climatic phenomena,has an influence 
upon temperature is obvious for this reason, — that 
the angle at which the sun's rays strike the 
ground, and consequently the power of these ravs 
in heating it, varies with the exposure of the 
surface relating to the sun. When the sun is 
elevated on the meridian of 45° above the horizon, 
its rays fall perpendicularly on the surface of a 
hill facing the south, at an equal angle, while the 
plain below receives them at an angle of 45°. 
Now supposing the declivity to face north, (which 
is the opposite of the topographical outline of the 
peninsula) the rays of the sun would run parallel 
to its surface, and this effect would be very 
trifling; but if the declivity were still greater, the 



52 UASTEK5T SHC7RE: 

whole surface would be in the shade. This 
though an extreme case, series to show why 
temperature varies with the inclination of the 
earth's- surface, and why a south, south- western* 
aspect, such as exists over most of the Eastern 
Shore counties, is much wanner in the winter 
than other localities, in the same latitude facing 
north, north-east. 

Temperature affected by soil, ft is evident 

also that the nature of the soil operates materially 
upon the temperature of a locality. One soil 
acquires heat, keeps its acquired heat much longer, 
and reflects it more readily than another. A soil 
which from its porous character allows the rains 
descending upon it to pass freely into the earth, 
will emit much less exhalation than one which 
retains the water near the surface. Thus clayey 
soils lower the temperature, and are likely to 
affect the atmosphere in a manner that will render 
it pernicious to health, while those which are 
light and sandy tend, during the winter season 
especially, to make the surrounding atmosphere 
warm, dry and salubrious. 

Effects of large bodies of salt-water. 
Experience has demonstrated that large bodies of 



OF MARYLAND. 53 

salt water also tend, materially, to modify tem- 
perature, rendering it much more equitable, both 
in summer and winter. There can be no doubt 
that the waters of Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, 
as well as the ocean,exercise considerable influence 
on the temperature of the peninsula, in a general 
way, while the coast and geodetic surveys of the 
United States show at a glance, that " the heated 
waters of the Gulf Stream, pouring through the 
space between Cuba and Florida, flow in a north- 
easterly direction along the coast of Georgia and 
the Carolinas, diffusing themselves as they go, 
until, from a compact stream less than fifty miles 
wide, they have become, opposite Chesapeake Bay, 
a broad expanse of four hundred miles in width 
with numerous parallel, or slightly diverging 
currents of warm water, with overflow currents 
of a somewhat lower temperature." One of these 
currents approaches within fifty miles of the 
southern coast of Maryland, and then diverges 
until at Sandy Hook it is one hundred and ten 
miles distant from the coast. To the peculiar 
course of the Gulf Stream, and its near approach 
to the coast line of Maryland, may be attributed 
the camparative mildness of the winters of the 



54 EASTERN SHORE 

peninsula, as compared with other localities in 
the same latitude. 

Duration of the seasons. The result of 
observation and inquiries made by the writer 
shows that the winters on the Eastern Shore last 
three months, from the beginning of December 
to the end of February; the spring three months, 
from the beginning of March until the end of 
May : the summer four months, from the begin- 
ning of June to the middle of September, the 
months of October and November being the au- 
tumn. 

Advice to invalids. Invalids who visit 
the Eastern Shore for the benefit of sea-baths, 
should pursue the treatment under medical 
advice. With proper arrangements the "cure" 
may be continued during the winter, as at the 
European health resorts, where bath houses are 
constructed containing all sorts of baths, includ- 
ing electric baths, which, however, are expensive 
humbugs. Baths of warm sea- water are the best, 
and these may be taken at any season of the 
year. 

In addition to its mild and temperate climate, 
the peninsula of Maryland is particularly suited 



OF MARYLAND. 55 

for a health station, on account of its proximity 
to the great centres of population, and the facili- 
ties of approach by both water and rail. 



56 EASTERN SHORE 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CLIMATIC ADVANTAGES OF THK EASTERN SHORE. 

Character of the seasons. The climate 
of the Eastern Shore of Maryland is in many 
respects well suited for a winter residence. A 
beautiful autumn generally ushers in winter. In 
September the locality generally enjoys summer 
weather; the October air is usually mild, and 
during this month there are also many bright and 
warm days. The mornings and evenings of 
November are for the most part cool and bracing, 
with a pleasant midday temperature. In Decem- 
ber the skies are gloomier, but there are still 
many bright days in which exercise in the open 
air can be taken. The real winter comes with 
the longer days of January, when snow and iee 
are not unusual ; but in this month also there is 
a period of clear, bright weather when the snow 
yields to the midday sun. Towards the middle 
of February there is generally a second period of 
cold; but from this month the temperature grad- 



©B MARYLAND. 57 

w ally and steadily rises, and winter begins to lose 
its special characteristics. The days lengthen, 
the temperature rises, the clouds are higher and 
lighter. 

The Spring is less equitable than the autumn. 
The lowering of the temperature in the winter 
•affects the succeeding season, and naturally leads 
to relapses of cold. The temperature of the 
spring months does not rise with the same unin- 
terrupted regularity as the autumn days grow 
cold. Sometimes the "second winter" occurs in 
March instead of February, and the thermometer 
falls to a point below freezing; but as each suc- 
cessive day sheds more light and warmth around, 
the varying temperature is less felt. Nature 
begins to arouse herself from the sleep of winter, 
the fields become redolent with vegetable life, the 
trees put forth their first tender buds, and soon 
the earth is all green and glorious. 

If in summer the broad stretches of water sur- 
face, which almost surrounds the peninsula of 
Maryland, prevent the heat from becoming exces- 
sive, in winter the uninterrupted insulation and 
the warm currents from the gulf stream are of 
great advantage. Cold and gloomy days some- 



58 EASTERN SHORE 

times occur, lasting for several days, but a favor- 
able change in atmospheric conditions rapidly 
restores the disturbed balance. 

Compared -with European resorts. As 
at Nice and other winter resorts in the south of 
Europe, winds from various quarters sometimes 
sweep over the surface of the Eastern Shore with 
considerable vehemence; but they are always of 
short duration, and never so severe as the Mistral 
of southern France and Italy, already referred to, 
which sometimes lasts for three, seYen, or nine 
days, and beneath which organized beings of 
every class shrink in dismay. Indeed, excessively 
cold winds are rarely felt on the peninsula, since 
the westerly currents or cold winds from the Blue 
Ridge mountains are considerably modified by 
passing over the waters of Chesapeake Bay. 

Winds from the Gulf Stream. All the 
warm winds coming from the gulf stream, which, 
opposite this point, is about three hundred miles 
wide, find uninterrupted admission, and being 
intercepted by the southern slope of the land, 
they exert a permanent and enduring influence. 
Hence the moderate temperature in summer and 
the comparatively mild climate of winter. Gent- 



OF MARYLAND. 59 

ly as the local winds usually blow, their influence 
on the neighborhood and on the low lands around 
cannot be over estimated, in as much as they 
serve to dry the soil, and constantly bring fresh 
supplies of pure fresh air from sea and mountains, 
and thus maintain the atmosphere in a pure 
condition, 

A highly favored locality. From the 
data above given, it is quite apparent, that, cli- 
matically regarded, the Eastern Shore of Mary- 
land is a highly favored locality. The prevalence 
of west and south currents, the moderate wind 
pressure, the warming of the air by currents from 
the gulf stream, the moderate fall of rain, all 
conduce to maintain a relatively mild, equitable 
and dry state of the atmosphere, the average 
warmth" of which is greater than that attained by 
some other resorts considerably south of 38° north 
latitude; indeed, the winter temperature ap- 
proaches very closely to that of some of the most 
popular health stations in Europe. 

A dry and tonic climate. The climate of 
the Eastern Shore belongs purely to the tonic 
class. Although subject to frequent rains in the 
spring, it would appear that not only does the 



60 EASTEK3T SHORE 

ground soon dry after a rain-fall, but the atmos- 
phere itself, so to speak does the same; for it is 
well known that articles of steel, when exposed! 
during fine weather, do not readily rust; while 
on the other hand, a damp towel quickly dries. 

Resume. The following may be taken a? a 
resume of the climate. It is not subject to the 
evils which commonly attend the more humid 
climates. Rain seldom continues above two days 
it a time, and is usually followed in a few hours 
by warm sunshine; while the ground from the 
absorbing nature of the soil, dries rapidly. Tie 
atmosphere, generally speaking is also remarka- 
bly free from moisture, as indicated by the hy- 
grometer. In December snow frequently 
Falls, which is marked by sudden change of 
temperature, the weather becoming quite 
chilly. January and February are usually cold 
bur dry; ice and snow then occur, but the snow- 
does not lie long on the ground. Frequently 
during these mouths the sun is bright and warm ; 
and from twelve to three o'clock an invalid may 
generally take exercise. In spring, south-easterly 
winds, wiii .;li are soft and mild, accompanied 
with aom? rain, alternate with dry westerly 



OF MARYLAND. 61 

wauls, also of a mild character. Hence it is that 
the vernal exurbation of inflammatory affections of 
the lungs, so commonly observed ill ouiei" cli- 
mates, is little felt by the residents of the Eastern 
Shore. Vegetation bursts forth the first week of 
April, which is a pleasant month. May resem- 
bles April but is wanner. h\ June the weather 
is warm and pleasant. July, August and Sep- 
tember are the hottest months, the thermometer 
sometimes rising above 90° Farh., in the shade ; 
with a powerful midday sun, preventing exercise 
from ten in the morning until six in the evening. 
October and November are the most delightful 
months in the year, characterised by calmness, 
moderate cold, bright sunshine of considerable 
power, a dry state of the atmosphere and of the 
soil, and rains,sometimes heavy but of short du- 
ration. 



62 EASTERN" SHORE 



CHAPTEE IX. 

THE EASTERN SHORE AS A SANITARIUM. 

When to visit the locality and for what 
diseases. In order to escape the influences of 
severe climates the Eastern Shore of Maryland 
may be visited during the winter by those who 
are suffering from serious pulmonary diseases, as 
well as by those with delicate respiratory organs, 
provided the disease is not too far advanced and 
the tubercular process not too active. If the 
patient arrive early, and do not neglect to profit 
by autumn weather, the invigorating air of the 
midday hours of winter will be all the more read- 
ily borne, and its beneficial influence experienced. 
What revivifying effect upon the organism is 
wrought by the climate during the winter months 
is evidenced by the instructive instances of com- 
parative comfort enjoyed by asthmatic patients 
who visit this locality. 

It may be said of the Eastern Shore as of all 
other places where consumptive patients seek 
alleviation in winter, — the good effects of the 



OF MARYLAND. 63 

climate only manifest themselves fully after a 
certain acclimatisation; hence autumn or the 
beginning of winter is the best time for immigra- 
tion. In the course of the usually fine prevailing 
days, any variations in the patients state, caused 
by change of diet or manner of life are easily tided 
over. For the permanent cure of chronic affec- 
tions of the respiratory organs, even when it is a 
question of " weak lungs " or threatened disease, 
the very nature of the ailment precludes the 
probability of health being reestablished in one 
winter. Expprience at all climatic resorts has 
shown the fallacy of such a hope; but after 
spending several winters or years here, improved 
health and prolonged life may be expected. 

More especially beneficial is the sedative winter 
air of the Eastern Shore upon all who suffer from 
nervous complaints, special and cerebral affections, 
and upon persons who without being positively ill 
are compelled by delicate constitutions to live in 
a moderately mild climate. For such persons 
frequent opportunities for walking and horseback 
exercise are all-important, and such advantages 
cannot be overestimated as part of the curative 
regeme. 



64 EASTERN SHORE 

An admirable home for children. To fam- 
ilies with children, during the years of develop- 
ment, the Eastern Shore of Maryland offers a most 
desirable home. Transplanted from northern 
regions, — from a severe toa more moderate climate, 
• — they recuperate in maivelous fashion. The 
happy results of winter's genial influence is here 
felt immediately. They can walk or be taken 
out into the fresh air almost daily, which is by no 
means the case in their native homes. 

Parents and guardians, whilst seeking the well 
being of their charges, mav also experience the 
wholesome influence of a stay in this locality upon 
themselves, but they must not expect such 
amelioration as they will perceive in their chil- 
dren, especially if they come on account of chest 
diseases, which require for their relief more than 
a single season. The arrest of the disease, how- 
ever, is altogether probable unless the malady is 
too firmly rooted. The more recent the lesions 
the more certain the cure; but an improvement 
is not (.infrequently noticed even in old cases. In 
a majority of cases of pulmonary ph thesis the du- 
ration of the sojourn should be at least six or 
eight months; a shorter residence can effect but 



$5F MIRYLAN©. 85 

little permanent good, tliough it may serve to 
arrest the disease temporarily. It is, moreover, 
useless to expect a favorable result unless the 
patient be free from fever and acute symptoms, 
:and there is sufficient pulmonary surface left to 
■enable respiration to be moderately well per- 
formed. 

Dr. Gedding-s' observations on climate. 
An excellent authority, Dr. W, H. Geddings, ob- 
serves: — "The great aim and object cf climatic 
treatment, has always been the cure of consump- 
tion, and with every change of doctrine in regard 
to the nature and pathology of that disease, there 
has been a corresponding modification of opinion 
in regard to the kind of climate best adapted to 
its treatment. During the first decade of the 
present century, influenced by the theories of 
Broussais regarding the inflammatory nature of 
this disease, warmth was the only factor taken 
into consideration ; mild insular climates like 
that of Madeira were the only ones sought after. 
It, however, soon became apparent to many that 
these warm, enervating climates, instead of curing 
the disease, tended only in many cases to hasten 
the fatal termination ; and a violent reaction set 



6$ EASTERN" SHORE 

in, which culminated in our own land a few years 
since in the selection of Minnesota as a winter 
Sanitarium for consumptives. A more thorough 
and correct knowledge of the pathology of con- 
sumption, and greater familiarity with the effects 
of different climates, show that both were to some 
extent right, and that the error lay in using cli- 
mate as a sort of * cure all ' nostrum, and in los- 
ing sight of the important fact, that climatic 
treatment to be successful must be made to meet 
indications in each individual case and stage of 
the disease." 

In chronic diseases of the chest, it is all impor- 
tant to remember that it is the great heat produc- 
ing organ that is involved, and that in measuring 
the amount of heat required in a given case, due 
allowance must be made for the deficiency, and 
no preconceived ideas concerning the asthenic 
nature of this disease should be permitted to 
seduce us into sending a poor exhausted invalid 
to freeze amid the snows of Colorado or Minnesota, 
or to swelter in a tropical climate. 

Relation between temperature and or- 
ganic tone. Those who have studied the sub- 
ject know how important it is to maintain a direct 



OF MARYLAND. *>7 

relation between temperature and the organic 
tone or vital power of reaction of each patient. 
A knowledge of this fact will serve as a basis 
for choosing a suitable location for each patient. 
If the vital power of a patient be represented 
by 10, and the proper temperature for such a 
patient is also represented by 10, then the fol- 
lowing propositions may be stated: 

1. If the vital power of the patient be dimin- 
ished by two degrees it will be 8 ; and the temper- 
ature must then be raised by 2°, as 8-r2=10. 

2. If the vital power of reaction be increased 
to 12, the temperature must be lowered by 2°, as 
12—2=10. 

Acting on the line of these propositions, the 
medical profession are now inclined to adopt as 
their motto, " Medio tutissimus ibis" and even 
those who were formerly prepossessed in favor of 
altitude as a factor in the treatment of consump- 
tion, now admit, that, as a rule, it is safer for 
consumptive patients to winter in a moderately 
cool, bracing climate, such as exists on the 
Eastern Shore of Maryland, rather than be 
exposed to the vicissitudes of an alpine winter or 
the enervating effects of a Southern Climate. 



68 EASTERN SHORE 

Change in medical doctrines. Now that 
medical doctrines have changed, that vitalistio 
and sthenic views of treatment prevail and are- 
found to give infinitely more satisfactory results 
than those that followed a different course of 
treatment, the medical mind in America and 
Europe, begins to look about for a more tonic, 
bracing climate than Madeira, Jamaica, Xassan, 
Havana, Florida or South Corolina; and, from 
careful observations made during several consecu- 
tive years, coupled with statistics furnished by a 
large number of intelligent physicians and others, 
it is safe to assert that the Peninsula of Maryland 
furnishes one of the grandest atmospheres for 
persons suffering with pulmonary affections to be 
found in the world. 

Elevated positions not necessary for 
the cure of pulmonary consumption. Some 
writers deny that satisfactory results can be 
attained except in elevated districts, but it must 
be admitted that these opinions have no reasona- 
ble foundation, in the face of facts to the contrary. 
We cannot discredit those witnesses who testify 
that consumption is an exceedingly rare disease 
among the native residents of the Eastern Shore 



OF MARYLAND. 69 

of Maryland, and that this locality, like the 
Kirgis Steppes of Asia, which is below the level 
of the sea, enjoys almost complete immunity from 
the disease.* 

Relation between soil-moisture and 
consumption. The relation between soil-moisture 
and consumption was first pointed out by Dr. 
Bowditch, of Boston, in 1868, and subsequently 
verified by Dr. Buchanon, of England, where 
investigations led to the general conclusion that 
the amount of consumption is in proportion to 
the dampness of the soil. The soil of the Eastern 
Shore as has already been stated is composed, for 
the most part, of sand and loam, which greatly 
facilitates the natural drainage, by allowing the 
surface water to rapidly percolate, so that even 
after a heavy down pour of rain the ground 
rapidly dries — a feature of no little importance, 
as it contributes to the dryness of the soil and 



* Hon. George W. Bishop, M. D. long- a leading- practitioner 
of one of the counties of the lower peninsula has recently 
assured the writer, that a case of consumption occurred some 
years ago* in the person of an old lady in the town in which 
he practiced medicine for many years, and so rare and 
unusual was the disease in that locality, that many persons 
actually visited the patient from mere curiosity to see what 
they had never before seen,— a case of consumption. 



70 EASTERN SHORE 

the surrounding air, important disiderata in the 

alleviation of pulmonary diseases. 

The climate highly beneficial in other 
diseases. But it is not alone in developed cases 
of pulmonary consumption that the climate of 
the Eastern Shore will prove beneficial. Persons 
in whom there is a predisposition to the disease, 
will derive considerable advantage from passing 
the months of October, November, December, 
January, February, March April and May on the 
Peninsula, and a residence here will also prove 
especially beneficial in other affections, such as 
incomplete developement of the lungs and the 
thorax, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary retraction 
after pleurisy, spasmodic asthma, catarrhal 
phthisis, phthisis with considerable irritability of 
the nervous system, affections of the nervous 
system generally, advanced age, in a state of 
feebleness requiring exercise in the open air, 
gastric catarrh of the stomach, usually classed 
under the term " Dyspepsia ;" chronic goer, 
rheumatism, and paralysis without appoplectic 
attack; hypocondria and scrofula ; anaemia and 
other female affections characterised by poverty 
of the blood ; the improvement in such cases being 



OF MARYLAND. 71 

due to the ability of the patient to take a large 
amount of exercise in the pure air of the country. 
Diseases resulting from over work, confinement, 
&c, would improve rapidly after a few weeks' 
residence here; and convalescents from pneumo- 
nia, typhoid fever, and other exhausting diseases, 
need just such a climate as is to be found in the 
higher lands of the Eastern Shore. In by fai- 
th e greater proportion of such cases, the indication 
is for a tonic, bracing climate, and not the 
enervating climate of the far south. Children 
convalescing from scarlet fever, measles, whooping 
cough, and others with scrofula and suppurating 
glands would improve here with great rapidity. 

Eastern Shore as an all-the-year-round 
place of residence. Many localities on the 
Eastern Shore of Maryland might be pointed out 
which offer attractions as a winter resort, or all- 
the-year-round home, preferable to either Florida, 
South Carolina, Georgia, California or Colorado, 
or to many of the famous winter resorts in the 
South of Europe, all of which lack the atmos- 
pheric tonicity of the former place with its almost 
entire immunity from consumption. 

Acting on persons in health the climate may be 



72 EASTERN SHORE 

said to bring down the standard of tone, and has 
a tendency to modify the natural temperament, 
the sanguine making a move towards the 
phlegmatic, and the choleric towards the melan- 
choly. On the same principle, no doubt, it is 
that diseases of a mixed nervous and inflammatory 
character come to have their symptoms modified 
and frequently subdued by a residence in this 
locality. 

Neutral properties of the climate. It 
would seem that the climate of the peninsula 
derives a great deal of its value from its neutral 
properties ; from its being neither too hot nor too 
cold, and from its possessing neither the irritating 
qualities of a dry climate nor the depressing ones 
of an atmosphere surcharged with communicable 
damp and from its exemption from violent 
atmospheric agitation. The atmosphere when it 
does not rain, is dry, and the weather fine, and 
there are neither fogs nor cold piercing winds, of 
any consequence. 

After all, however, it is with climates as with 
other things, — trustworthy evidence as to wiiat 
they have accomplished is the most valuable; and 
in this connection we quote from a letter written 



'OT MARYLAND. 73 

by Dr. Davidson, a medical practitioner of exten- 
sive experience on the Peninsula, in which he 
says : 

" Consumption, either hereditary or acquired, 
is comparatively rare on this Peninsula among the 
native population ; and while many have come 
here from northern latitudes with this disease in 
various stages of development, we do not know of 
a case that was not promptly ameliorated by the 
change and in many cases the most remarkable 
cures have been effected in persons who were 
pronounced hopelessly ill. 

"The same may be said of bronchial affections, 
catarrh, asthma, and several forms of throat 
diseases. The effect of this climate upon asthma, 
especially, is most magical. There are numerous 
cases within our knowledge of those whose lives 
were wretched from this harassing malady in the 
North, and who were permanently relieved by a 
few weeks' residence on the Peninsula. Gout, 
rheumatism, acute or chronic, goitre, hay asthma, 
and a great number of other affections we might 
name, wliich prevailed to a greater or less extent 
in the northern section of the country, are 
exceedingly rare here, and some of them entirely 



74 EASTERN SHORE: 

unknown. Intermittent, remittent and typhoid 
fevers, diarrhoea, dysentery, etc., which formerly 
constituted the class of diseases with which our 
physicians had to deal, have become so infrequent 
that they are regarded as of trifling importance."" 

In addition to the above, the following confir- 
mative opinion, from the Peninsula Gazette, of 
Oct., 1888, is subjoined for the satisfaction of the- 
reader : 

" In point of healthfulness, there is probably 
no section in the Union that surpasses this 
Peninsula, which has long been known as one' 
of the most desirable for residences in the Union y 
its geographical position and natural drainage- 
being important features in securing a degree of 
healthfulness seldom enjoyed by the mo&t favored 
localities,"' 



CtF IAKYL1N3). 



75 



CHAPTER X. 

COMPARATIVE ABSENCE OF MALARIA ON THE 
EASTERN SHORE. 

Exceptionally healthy. For a long time 
the Eastern Shore of Maryland has rested under 
<i reputation such as is likely to arise from a 
careless observation of her physical constitution 
and relations ; but the light of investigation and 
experience has in a measure dispelled the dark 
shades that mantled her fair name with the 
insidious onslaugh of that morbific agent known 
as mal-akia, or bad-air. 

The salubrity of any particular locality cannot' 
always be exactly interpreted from local condi- 
tions, or a mere string of figures said to represent 
meteorological phenomena. They are, however, 
very valuable in conjunction with other knowl- 
edge ; and any information obtained from 
intelligent physicians and other persons who have 



16- EASTERN SHORE 

lived long in a place, us to its general salubrity is 
valuable in forming a judgment of the healthful- 
ness or unhealthfuluess of a locality. 

It has been my object to gather as much <>i 
such knowledge as possible, in order to lay it 
before the reader, that he may judge for himself 
of the salubrity of the Eastern Shore. — In addi- 
tion to what has already been given in the 
preceding chapters, a considerable number of 
local health officers, physicians and correspon- 
dents show very conclusively that whatever m ay- 
have been the condition of this section of the 
State, as regards malarial and other diseases, in 
former years, it is now exceptionally healthy, — in 
fact more exempt from disease than any other 
district in the State of equal area and population, 
— and especially is this true in respect to malarial 
fevers and pulmonary consumption. 

Facts and figures. The facts and figures, 
which have been obtained in the form of statisti- 
cal reports, etc., show that malarial diseases have 
greatly diminished on the Peninsula in the past 
ten or fifteen years, and that, exclusive of 
small areas affected by local conditions, the pro- 
portion of uncomplicated malarial fevers to all 



OF MARYLAND. 77 

other cases of disease is not more than two per 
cent. This great reduction in the number of 
cases has been secured through a better knowledge 
of how to avoid the causes of disease, gathered 
from the teachings of the State Board of Health, 
rather than from any system of medication ; and 
by still further application of well known sanitary 
laws the existence of intermittent and remittent 
fevers will, no doubt, be banished from the list of 
prevailing diseases on the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland. 

Salt water-marshes not unhealthy. It 
has been demonstrated that many infectious 
diseases have their origin in putrefactive processes, 
while certain miasmatic diseases are both endemic 
and epidemic in places where organic matters are 
constantly undergoing changes, as is the case in 
districts abounding in fresh water marshes or 
ponds. Such marshes, and especially those over- 
flowed by rivers are always deleterious. Trees 
interrupt the rays of the sun and deprive the 
ground qf their benign influence. Forests give 
rise to extensive evaporation and radiation; but 
whilst their removal causes a higher mean tem- 
perature, it is followed by greater extremes of 



78 EASTERN SHOEE 

heat and cold. In some climates trees are essen- 
tial, where they afford protection from the intense 
heat, and, by evaporation, provide the necessary 
amount of moisture in the atmosphere. It is not, 
therefore, always a safe proceeding to sweep away 
too much woods. A few trees near a dwelling- 
give it a cheerful appearance, and are by no means 
hurtful. They do not, as has been generally 
supposed, effect the constitution of the gaseous 
elements of the atmosphere ; but when too densely 
planted, they render it chill and damp, besides 
obstructing the salutary currents of air. 

All large bodies of water, as oceans, bays, lakes, 
rivers, or marshes, act upon the atmosphere in a 
manner varying according to their superficial 
extent and depth ; it is known that salt water 
absorbs and neutralizes miasmata. Marshes are 
always more dangerous during the night than 
during the day, that is to say, such as have the 
power of poisoning the air which floats over or 
about them. But alJ marshes have not this effect ; 
peat bogs, for instance, pre generally perfectly 
innocuous. Ve?iice, which is built in a marsh or 
lagoon, is held in high reputation as a resort for 
invalids suffering from malarial poisoning, and 
experience has shown that a residence on the 



OF MARYLAND. 79 

Eastern Shore of Maryland is quite compatible 
with an entire removal of the disorder. 

In his ' Letters on Chemistry,' p. 230, Baron 
Liebig says : 

'• In no case may we so surely reckon on the 
occurrence of epidemic diseases as when a marshy 
surface has been dried up by continued heat, or 
when extensive inundations are followed by 
intense heat. Wherever there is matter of animal 
or vegetable origin in course of putrefaction or 
allied changes, danger to human health is also 
lurking in the water and floating in the surround- 
ing air. The mere rapid oxidation of organic 
matter is a comparatively innocuous process; and 
it is only when that normal process of change is 
substituted or accompanied by putrefaction that 
danger arises. The mere presence of organic 
matter in large volumes of water or in the soil 
does not necessarily indicate danger to the neigh- 
borhood, because suppose the soil be of a porous 
or sandy nature, and consequently exposed to free 
contact w r ith the air, the organic matter is rapidly 
oxidized. into innocent compounds." 

The public, obviously, are not yet fully inform- 
ed respecting the essential difference between the 
effect of fresh-water and salt-water marshes m 
producing disease. Dr. Angus Smith a distin- 



80 EASTERN" SHORE 

guished English physician and sanitarian, says 
on this subject: 

" There seems to he a confusion in many minds 
between peat-bogs (salt water marshes) and the 
ordinary fresh water marshes ; but the difference 
is very great. No peat- bog gives out marsh fevers 
and agues. The acid peat prevents decomposi- 
tion, and so removes the result of putrefaction 
which some people suppose to be the origin of the 
evil in marshes." 

We may add to these still another great 
authority. Prof. Loomis of New York, in dis- 
cussing the subject of malaria, says : 

" Salt water marshes are as a rule especially 
free from malaria; but mix salt and fresh water, 
as on some of the New Jersey marshes, and you 
have the conditions for generating the poison 
malaria. Marshes that rest on a substratum of 
sand are not so malarial as those that rest on lime 
stone." 

It has been observed, as stated in the ' Statisti- 
cal Reports on the Health of the English Navy,' 
that in South America there are land-locked 
harbors where under a powerful sun " ships lie 
for months and years surrounded by a country 



<0F MAKYLANB. SI 

abounding in salt water marshes and rank vege- 
tation, and all the other circumstances which 
•elsewhere are considered the essential cause of the 
fevers which prove so destructive to life among 
Europeans, without the occurrence of a single 
case of fever; the crews, on the contrary, enjoying 
good health." 

It is also stated in the same reports, that living 
an the vicinity of marshy grounds, which was at 
one time believed to be fatal, is not now found to 
be unhealthy in Australia. 

The sanative condition of Venice, as 
compared with the Eastern Shore^ Anal- 
agous to the cases above cited is the sanative 
condition of Venice, Italy, which has already 
been referred to. It might rationally be inferred, 
from the marshy aspect which surrounds this 
city, that intermittent fever would be the 
prominent disease of the place, whereas, it is, in 
truth, the resort of invalids who have elsewhere 
imbibed the pernicious germs of this disorder. 
The city is constructed upon piles, in the midst 
of a vast shallow lake or lagoon, at a distance of 
two miles from the mainland, with which it holds 
intercourse *by means of a magnificent bridge. 



82 EASTEEN SHOEE 

The lagoon in which the city is situated is formed 
of the alluvial deposits from the river, which 
decend to empty themselves into the head of the 
inland sea. This shallow lake is oval in form, 
and stretches in a direction N. E. to S. W., being 
separated from the Adriatic by a long strip of 
low-lying land, through intervals in which the 
salt waters of the Gulf of Venice are permitted 
to ebb and flow daily, a circumstance which no 
doubt accounts for its entire exemption from 
malaria. In many respects the Eastern Shore 
compares strikingly with Venice. It presents a 
considerable variety of healthy and beautiful sites, 
suited to the wants of a large proportion of 
valetudinarians; and is particularly well suited 
for cases of chronic malarial poisoning. It has 
been the experience of such patients coming from 
other places to the Eastern Shore, that they 
obtain relief with far less medication than in any 
other locality ; and it is a notable fact that 
children with malarial cachexia, who visit the 
Eastern Shore, recover without any medication at 
all. 

Malaria due to a bacillus. Klebs and 
Tommasi-Crudeli claim to have established 



OF MARYLAND. S3 

malarial fever to be due to the action of bacillus 
malaria, as they name a micro-organism which 
they have detected in the soil and air of malarial 
districts. They found that malarial poison exists 
in quantity in the soil of malarious districts, even 
at a time when man is not affected with the 
disease, and that the poison may be detected at 
such times in the strata of air immediately above 
the soil. What is remarkable among the results 
ofKlebsand Tommasi-Oudeli is, that they flu d 
large quantities of water render the germs 
inactive. Their method of experiment consisted 
in subcutaneously injecting liquids obtained from 
the soil into animals, and noting the rise of tem- 
perature experienced. Dr. Sternberg, of the U. 
S. Army, failed to discover similar results, i. e., 
intermittent increase of body temperature, in 
rabbits innoculated with material derived from 
the soil of supposed malarious districts in 
America. It is probable that the first experimen- 
ters used the soil or air from fresh water swamps, 
and that the hitter's experiments were made from 
soil in the neighborhood of salt water marshes. 

Mill-dams as generators of Malaria. It 
has been shown by Prof. Arnot, that mill-dams. 



8£ EASTERN SHORE: 

locks and other obstructions to the natural flow 
of water are the most fertile sources of malaria, 
that malarial diseases prevail much more abun- 
dantly in the vicinity of such obstructions than? 
elsewhere, that the building of a dam or a lock 
has always been followed at no distant date by an 
increase of such diseases, and, finally, that their 
removal has been followed shortly afterwards by 
a very great diminution, if not complete cessation,, 
of malarial troubles. 

The deleterious character of fresh water 
marshes and stagnant pools of water has long 
been recognized, but mill-ponds have not been 
looked upon as stagnant pools, and consequently, 
have not received the attention which their evil 
importance demands. A little reflection will 
show that mill-ponds are really worse than 
stagnant pools, whose only source of organic 
matter is that of their own production, while a 
mill-pond collects the refuse, animal and vegeta- 
ble, from a large area above, and which, if the 
stream had not been obstructed, would have been 
carried to sea. A majority of dams during the 
hot w r eather of summer permits only a small 
quantity of the water to filter through, and all 



OF MARYLAND. 85 

the filth is retained. Mill-dams are nothing less 
than huge open cesspools which collect sewage 
and filth from a large area of country, and a 
majority of medical men will point to them as 
the source of the greatest number of their 
malarial cases. It is probable, that if no mill- 
dams had ever existed on the Peninsula there 
would have been but little miasmatic disease 
observed. The removal of many of these dams, 
and other obstructions to the natural flow of the 
streams, within the last twenty five years, has 
undoubtedly been the means of decreasing sick- 
ness, diminishing doctors' bills, and saving 
valuable lives. Such being the fact, it follows 
that failure to remove the remaining dams and 
give free outlet to rivers and streams, wherever 
obstructions exist, will be in the highest degree 
criminal, morally if not legally. Has the time 
not arrived when the health of the people should 
be the chief consideration of our law makers, and 
the prevention of disease wiser and more honora- 
ble than its cure? 



86 EASTERN SHORE 



CHAPTER XL 

FOOD, EXERCISE AND CLOTHING. 

Change of climate necessitates change 
of food, &c. Change of climate invariably 
necessitates change of food and clothing. In gen- 
eral terms it may be stated that the modification 
in diet should be in favor of a bland, non-stimu- 
lating class of food as we approach the equator, 
whilst a stronger diet, consisting in high latitudes 
almost entirely of animal food, will be requisite 
in proportion as we recede from it towards the 
poles 

For the sake of health, medicines are taken by 
weight and measure, and so ought food to be, as 
is the case in the army and navy; but in private 
life, and especially among invalids, whose appe- 
tites are generally very capricious, such biological 
exactness has never been attained. Indeed, for 



OF MARYLAND. 87 

invalids, whose digestive powers are never two 
days the same, it would be absurd to attempt to 
fix, in advance, a standard weight or measure of 
food. All that can be demanded of them is a 
rational observance of certain general principles 
touching the quality, the quantity, and the time 
of taking food ; so that they may be guarded 
against the dangers arising either from too severe 
abstinence from, or an over free indulgence in, 
such articles of diet as contribute to their physi- 
cal well being when taken in moderation. 
Nature has mapped out in unmistakable 
characters the broad principles upon which the 
philosophy of dietetics must be based. She has 
placed a certain kind of food by the side of a 
certain class of the earth's inhabitants, and has 
fitted them with an appetite to appreciate it. 

Varied dietetics and excellent cuisine. 
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is justly renowned 
for its varied dietetics and excellent cuisine ; there 
is no other locality in the world so abundantly 
supplied with fine and refining food. The every 
day diet of the people of this section, — fish, 
oysters, crabs, wild ducks, partridges, &c, — is 
" food fit for the god's," Savarin has said, " Tell 



88 EASTERN SHORE 

me what you eat and I will tell you what yon 
are," and in this assertion, frivolous though it 
may appear, there is a great deal of meaning. 

Alimentation and natural characteris- 
tics. Natural characteristics are not only due to 
climate, education and habits, hut also to the 
system of alimentation. If the Swede, the 
Russian, the Laplander, and indeed all northern 
nations, take substantial nourishment, in great 
abundance ; if they make use of coarse food, 
heavy wines and alcohol in great quantities, it is 
because their cold climate and foggy atmosphere 
exact this manner of living. But this diet affects, 
at the same time, the moral characteristics ; it 
produces dullness of character, inactivity of the 
mind, and a phlegmatic, cold disposition. If the 
French are in general nervous, irritable, active, 
energetic, and particularly vivacious, it is no 
doubt caused, in a great measure, by their light, 
stimulating and varied diet, which is suited to 
their bright, warm climate. If the Italians, though 
endowed with great natural intelligence, are 
wanting in perseverance and energy of character, 
it is to be attributed not alone to their enervating 
climate, but also to their alimentation, which is 



X)F MARYLAND. b\) 

too exclusively vegetable, as may be inferred from 
the following comparative table of the average 
consumption of meat, per person, per annum in 
France and Italy: 

France. Italy. 

Beef 13.50 lbs. 8.44 lbs. 

Veal 4.34 " 5.70 " 

Mutton 4.80 " 1.30 " 

Lamb 0.38 " 0.34 « . 

Pork 17.32 " 4.20 " 

Goat 0.26 " 0.54 " 

"4060 tbs7 20.52 lbs. 

It will be seen from the above table that the 

French consume, per individual, more than 

double the quantity of the substantial viands 

consumed by the Italians, and it may be assumed 

that the latter consume a proportionably greater 

quantity of vegetable food. 

Fine food makes a gentleman. If the 

residents of the Eastern Shore of Maryland are 

gay and happy, generous and hospitable ; if they 

are distinguished above other people for their 

Amor patriae and their domestic felicity; and if, 

so far as the superficies is concerned, 

*' Society is smoothed to that excess 
That manners differ more than dress," 



90 EASTERN SHORE 

it is not to be attributed altogether to the circum- 
stance of the people of that section being descended 
from cavaliers, but, in part, to the climate in 
which they reside, and to the fact that they 
eschew to a great extent the coarser articles of 
diet, and feed almost exclusively on fish, shell 
fish, terrapins, game, poultry, vegetables and 
succulent fruits, notwithstanding the country is 
abundantly supplied with the best of viands, 
which are only used to the extent of maintaining 
the highest standard of good health. To para- 
phrase an often quoted aphorism, — " Fine Food 
makes the gentleman, the want of it the fellow ; 
all the rest are leather and prunella." 

Some rules in dietetics. Most men eat 
too much, and as a result suffer more or less from 
indigestion,which affects their general health and 
indisposes them to physical or intellectual efforts. 
We also eat our food too warm ; it would be a 
wise rule to abstain, at least, from warm bread 
and hot drinks. Eespiration and digestion are 
quite sufficient for the creation and conservation 
of animal heat and there is no necessity to add to 
them hot and stimulating alimentation such as 
hot bouillon, coffee, tea, chocolate, and an 



X)? MARYLAND. 91 

interminable number of other drinks, one hotter 

and atronger than another. Nothing could be 

more weakening to the stomach than this abuse ; 

it tends to soften the mucous membrane of that 

organ, and impair its important functions ; it is 

the principal source of gastric catarrh (dyspepsia) 

and of habitual constipation, so common in 

America. 

The above advice cannot be urged too strongly; 

nor can the dyspeptic patient have too forcibly 
impressed upon his mind, that temperance and 
abstemiousness in all things are the best physic. 
" The belief," says Sir James Clark, "so generally 
entertained that medicine can counteract the 
effects of habitual errors in regimen, should be 
regarded as a mere delusion. There is but one 
road to a permanent cure in these cases, and he 
who shall steadily pursue it long enough to feel 
its advantages, in the restoration of mental and 
bodily energy, will not easily be induced to 
deviate from it again." 

A majority of ladies have nervous and irritable 
constitutions, which are caused principally by a 
bad system of hygiene and education, in conse- 
quence of which the production of organic heat 



92 EASTERN" SHORE 

is with them abnormal or excessive. The tem- 
perature is elevated, especially over the track of 
the vertebral column, and this great nerve centre 
being continually subjected to the influence of 
heat and congestion, acquires an abnormal 
sensibility, which terminates in spinal irritation, 
manifested by pain between the shoulders and in 
the dorsal region; by habitually cold feet and 
hands; by feebleness of the limbs, general fatigue, 
&c. In such cases, in addition to climatic 
influences, the patient should partake moderately 
of animal diet, preferably beef and mutton, and 
generous portions of good wine. 

Opportunities for exercise. Exercise in 
the open air is one of the greatest advantages 
which a winter residence on the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland affords ; and the consumptive or 
dyspeptic invalid should take full advantage of 
it. Walking and riding on horseback are the 
best kinds of exercise, but neither should be 
carried so far as to produce over fatigue. When 
the irritation of the stomach is complicated with 
that of the bronchial mucous membrane, or 
tubercular deposits in the lungs, riding should 



OF MARYLAND. 93 

be chiefly relied on for exercise. Exercising the 
arms every morning is very useful ; for this pur- 
pose the Indian clubs are preferable to dumb- 
bells. 

Friction of the whole surface of the body, night 
and morning, is a valuable remedy, and the best 
substitute for exercise. For those whose occupa- 
tion compels them to a sedentary life, in our 
damp and cold climate, there are few remedies 
more useful, though none more neglected, than 
friction. The diligent use of the flesh brush, 
and sponging the surface with cold or tepid water 
throughout the year, or the shower-bath daily 
during the summer, and the occasional use of 
the warm bath at all seasons, form a powerful 
combination of means for maintaining the health 
of persons constrained by circumstances to forego 
exercise in the open air ; and the same measures 
are also singularly efficacious in restoring the 
deminished energy of the skin and digestive 
organs. For want of exercise nothing can fully 
compensate; but active friction over the whole 
surface -night and morning will in some degree 
supply its place, and will always prove beneficial 



04 EASTERN SHORE 

to the class of invalids for whom we are now 
writing.* 

Valuable as exercise is in point of health, it 
should always stop short of actual fatigue ; it 
should not only be well timed and of an agreeable 
character, but also moderate in quantity. It is 
one of those good things of which a delicate per- 
son may take too much ; and therefore the 
valetudinarian will do well to guide himself in 
this matter rather by rule than by the measure of 
his inclination. 

The proper time for exercise varies with cir- 
cumstances. Persons who are not in robust 
health should not, as a rule, take exercise before 
breakfast ; a mistaken zeal on this point frequent- 
ly subjects children of delicate constitutions to 
unnecessary cruelty. Strong people and sturdy 
children may be able to bear it; but a delicate 
person, whose system is for a time, or habitually, 
below par, will find it advantageous to begin their 
days work with a comfortable breakfast. 

Clothing. In regard to clothing, we may 



* For the most judicous instructions on this subject the 
reader is referred to Sir James Clarke's ' Disordei's of the 
Digestive Organs,' and Dr. Combe's work on the l Principles 
of Physiology applied to the Preservation of Health.' 



OF MARYLAND. 95 

learn a valuable lesson from the habits of many 
of the lower animals. If we regard them with 
attention, we shall observe that what in man is 
the result of his reasoning faculties, upon the 
basis of experience, is in them simply the work 
of nature, by whose munificence they are provided 
with food and clothing at the least possible 
expense of labor and fatigue. When man does 
not interfere, provident nature renews this cloth- 
ing to the necessities of the seasons. She divests 
them of their winter coating when summer is 
sufficiently advanced, and reinvests them with a 
warmer covering at the approach of cold. Man, 
to the best of his ability, does the same thing ; 
but often very inadequately. Either through 
ignorance or carelessness, he not unfrequently 
fails to follow a salutary method, and thus exposes 
himself to a train of disorders which are constant- 
ly lurking about him and endeavoring to find an 
open door of admission into his beleaguered 
system. 

The form and quantity of clothes should vary, 
like other elements of hygiene, with age, sex, 
strength, temperament, occupation. &c. Their 
object is to keep the body uniformly warm : to 



96 EASTERN SHORE 

preserve it from the direct application of heat; to 
keep it sufficiently moist by preventing a too 
rapid evaporation from the surface ; and likewise 
to protect it from too much dampness. In some 
particular forms of disease, too, garments made 
of peculiar materials are employed with a view of 
modifying the action of electricity. 

Invalids going to any health resort whether in 
summer or winter, should be well provided with 
an abundance of warm clothing, as there are at 
all seasons considerable fluctuations in tempera- 
ture. Those who remain during the warm 
weather should avoid the sun's rays, by remaining 
in doors during the middle of the day, or by 
carrying an umbrella, unless they can find shady 
walks. They must also avoid being out after 
sunset, as after that time there arises, generally, 
an exhalation from the earth. 

In clothing the body special care should be 
taken of the lower limbs. The legs and feet are 
often neglected. Warm woolen stockings and 
drawers, and especially water-tight boots with 
stout soles, are desirable. Water-tight cloaks or 
coats, unless freely ventilated, are very injurious, 
particularly when worn during active exercise ; 



OF MARYLAND. 97 

they keep in the perspiration, and when removed 
expose the body to all the dangers of a rapid and 
universal evaporation. Wet garments should be 
changed as soon as possible; and invalids who 
perspire readily and profusely should replace 
their undergarments with dry ones as often as 
they become damp. Night-dresses should be of 
light material ; but they who wear much flannel 
or other woolen fabric during the day should not 
altogether divest themselves of it at night ; a 
change of garments, however, should always be 
made. 



38 EASTERN SHORE 



CHAPTER XII. 

SEA-BATHING ON THE PENINSULA, 

The bath preventive and curative. Sea- 
bathing is employed both in preventive and cura- 
tive medicine. In the former it cleanses the skin? 
and renews its elasticity and contractility, thereby- 
imparting additional vigor and activity to the 
organism, and lessening the tendency to take cole! 
during exposure to vicissitudes of temperature. 
In the latter it operates much in the same way, 
adding firmness and tone to the textures, and so 
increasing the functional activity of the vascular, 
nervous, and secretory systems. In all cases 
showing impaired functional powers, without any 
manifestation of inflammatory symptoms; in 
short in those cases in which the exhibition of 
alteratives and tonics is indicated, sea-bathing 



OF MARYLAND. 90 

may, with proper precautions, be resorted to. It 
'Is contra indicated in persons of plethoiic habit 
of body ; in cerebral congestion ; in organic disease 
of the heart, i.i aneurism, and, indeed, in such 
cases as have not the ability to encounter the 
severe shock ; and, morever, at certain periods in 
which the female constitution is not prepared for 
the application of powerful remedies. 

Facilities for bathing. Among the many 
sanitary advantages which the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland possesses, sea-bathing occupies an 
important place. In speaking of the physicaj 
aspects of the country, we have shown that, being 
sheltered on the north by high hills and flanked 
on the east and west by large areas of salt water, 
it enjoys a moderate temperature during both tie 
summer and winter seasons. 

The south and south-east coast, bordering on 
the Atlantic ocean, is admirably adapted in every 
respect for bathing stations. The bay-coast on 
the west side of the peninsula also offers peculiar 
advantages in this respect, as it has a tide not 
exceeding thirty six inches, and the water is 
generally very calm in the summer months, a 
circumstance which makes the bathing on this 



100 EASTERN SHORE 

coast peculiarly well suited to invalids and chil- 
dren. At most sea-bathing stations, there are 
days when the wind blows strongly from the east 
or south-east rendering the bathing dangerous if 
not impossible for this class, who are thrown with 
violence against the shore by the force of the 
waves. 

Bay-shore bathing-. The sandy formation 
of the bay shore is soft to the feet, and sandals, 
which interfere with the salutary exercise of 
swimming, are here unnecessary accessories to the 
bathing costume. Another advantage of the bay- 
shore is the gradual inclination of the banks 
which exacts no special precaution in entering 
the water. Altogether, there is no sea-bathing 
place in America that an invalid could choose 
preferable to the bay coast of the Eastern Shore 
of Maryland. 

He who can be content to dwell where nature 
has planted all the resources of a great sanita- 
rium, to which art has thus far added but little, 
will on the Eastern Shore find a mild but not re- 
laxing climate, capable of affording a certain im- 
munity from such meteorological vicissitudes as 
are hurtful to persons of delicate constitutions, 



OF MARYLAND. 101 

and especially to those who suffer from pulmona- 
ry complaints, as well as to others in whom the 
germs of consumption threaten a justly dreaded 
manifestation. All along the coast the sandy 
nature of the soil prevents an accumulation of 
water on the surface, and on this account, almost 
any locality that may be selected, offers marked 
facilities for out door exercise, even immediately 
after the hardest downpour of rain. At Oxford, 
in Talbot County where there is already ample 
accommodation for visitors, sea-bathing is prac- 
ticed with much ease and comfort, and the 
vicinity offers agreeable promenades and drives. 

At many places on the bay-coast it would be 
quite practicable to build large bathing establish- 
ments far out into the water, which would be 
especially attractive to ladies and delicate persons. 
While the waters of the Chesapeake Bay are not 
quite as rich in saline matters as those of the 
Atlantic ocean, the hydro-saline atmosphere 
increases materially the activity of both the 
respiration and the circulation which is a great 
desideratum to invalids suffering with pulmonary 
troubles. The proportion of saline matter, in the 
waters of the bay is almost as great, however, as 



102 EASTERN SHORE 

in the waters of the North sea, so noted for its 
delightful bathing establishments, notably those 
of Ostend on the Belgium Coast, and Scevengen 
on the coast of Holland. 

The absence of very high tides in Chesapeake 
Bay permits bathing at all hours; and the pro- 
longation of the season beyond that of more 
northern stations, extends the time for bathing, 
which may begin in May and extend to the mid- 
dle of October. The temperature of the Bay 
water, which rises and falls in a measure with 
that of the surrounding air, is generally higher 
in the Spring, Summer and Autumn than that of 
the Ocean, and consequently better suited for 
feeble and senemic persons, who can remain longer 
in the bath, and will react more readily the 
warmer the water is, up to a certain point. But 
prolonged sea-baths should never be indulged in 
by invalids. From two to eight minutes for a 
bath is sufficient in a majority of cases. 

Prolonged baths injurious. It may be 
stated as axiomatic that prolonged sea baths, 
which many are induced to indulge in on account 
of the pleasant temperature of the air and water, 
are almost always injurious; they deprive the 



OF MARYLAND. 103 

body of too much of its organic heat, diminish 
reaction, and cause congestion of the internal 
organs, while a simple immersion, or a plunge of 
a few minutes strengthens the nerves by its shock, 
increases the activity of the circulation, especially 
the capillary circulation of the skin, which tends 
to diminish congestion of the internal organs. 

Considering all the advantages which the 
Chesapeake Bay presents over the rougher baths 
of the ocean, we can understand why they are 
particularly adapted to persons of feeble consti- 
tutions; to a3iiemic patients or delicate, nervous 
ladies, and to lymphatic, scrofulous children. 

Caution necessary. As salt water or surf 
bathing occasions great exposure of the body, it 
is proper to employ as much caution as possible 
during the process as well as subsequently. In- 
valids ought not to bathe in the open air before 
breakfast; nor soon after a meal. About eleven 
o'clock in the forenoon is a convenient time, 
especially if the tide be nearly at its height. A 
hard, sandy, sloping beach, with the tide at two 
thirds of flood, is the best place and time for 
bathing. It is not good to enter the water when 
the body is cold; any chilly feeling should first 



104 EASTERN SHORE 

be dissipated by a short walk, which, however, 
should not be carried to a point of inducing either 
fatigue or profuse perspiration. The entire body 
should be immersed in the water as quickly as 
possible, and the bather ought to move about 
briskly, either by swimming or otherwise, until 
he leaves it. Three, four, or at most five minutes 
is quite long enough for the beneficial effects of 
the bath, and in the case of invalids any delay 
beyond that time will be injurious.. Brisk rub- 
bing witli rough towels is the next process, and 
subsequently reaction should be maintained by 
quickly covering the body with clothing of suita- 
ble texture, and by gentle exercise. 

Warm salt water. Persons who cannot 
bear cold sea-baths, will find baths of warm salt 
or bay water very beneficial ; but these call for 
the erection of bathing establishments, with 
separate cabinets or enclosed swimming pools in 
which the water is raised to any desired tempera- 
ture by steam. When the Peninsula, with its 
mild climate and clear sky, has such establish- 
ments provided with suitable hotel accommoda- 
tions, it may aspire to the first rank among 
bathing stations, and the shores of its beautiful 



OF MARYLAND. 105 

bay will be the rendezvous of many thousand 
visitors, at all seasons of the year. 

The water of the Chesapeake Bay. The 
water of the Chesapeake Bay, like sea water, is 
richly charged with a diversity of saline ingredi- 
ents such as the chloride sodium, the sulphates of 
magnesium and calcium, the carbonate of calcium 
and carbonic acid. It may be taken internally, 
when its effects vary according to the quantity 
imbibed. In doses of half a tumbler, occasionally 
repeated, it is alterative and tonic; in larger 
doses it is purgative, and maybe employed as a 
deobstruent in congestion of the abdominal 
viscera. When employed in bathing and drink- 
ing conjointly it is not without importance in 
scrofulous affections, in engorgement of the 
abdominal viscera, in mucous catarrh of the 
respiratory organs, in chronic bronchitis, in 
dyspepsia, in nervous affections, and in some of 
the diseases incident to women. Some happy 
therapeutic results, recently obtained from the 
use of sea-water, (of which the water of Chesa- 
peake Bay is its congener) in tubercular disease 
of the lungs, should encourage physicians to try 
it more frequently in such cases. 



106 EASTERN SHORE 

The season for bathing-. The best season 
of the year for salt water-bathing is that extend- 
ing from June to October. It should not be 
practiced more than two or three times a week at 
first, and never more frequently than once a day. 
The same caution should be pursued after an 
intermission of the baths, and at the end of the 
course it is better to decrease their frequency 
gradually than to put a stop to them suddenly. 

Recapitulation. In conclusion, it may not 
be amiss to recapitulate briefly some of the 
advantages which the Eastern Shore of Maryland 
possesses as a climatic and sanative resort. These 
consist (1) in a temperature pleasantly warm for 
eight months in the year; (2) in an air moderately 
dry, rich in oxygen, of excessive purity and 
constantly in motion ;* (3) in a large number of 
clear sunny days, and comparatively few days of 
rain and fog; (4) in a rich and luxurient vegeta- 
tion, flourishing as in a subtropical climate ; (5) 
in the possibility of almost daily promenades 



* kk A long- sojourn in a very equal climate is not favorable 
to health, even when one enjoys the advantage of taking 
exercise in the open air; variations of temperature, and 
motion or free circulation of the air, are conditions neces- 
sary for the maintainance of health."— Dr. Copeland. 



KD »8 



OF MARYLAND. 107 

and drives in the open air ; (6) in the refined 
social advantages of the country ; (7) in its 
unrivalled dietetics and cuisine; and, finally, 
in its proximity to the great centres of popula- 
tion. 












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